Benton County on Monday announced its first two cases of hMPXV, commonly known as monkeypox.
The Benton County Health Department does not disclose protected health information, which includes any information that could identify a specific patient. The individuals are following recommendations from public health officials and medical providers.
When someone tests positive for hMPXV, the Health Department works to alert all close contacts of the individual, and provides options for testing, treatment and vaccination. While anyone can get hMPXV, risk is higher for individuals who have engaged in prolonged skin-to-skin contact with people who are infected. If you have been notified you are a close contact or are aware of someone in your social circles who has or has had hMPXV, or if you are otherwise at high risk of exposure, you should seek vaccination.
In addition to ongoing focused outreach to higher risk populations, the Health Department has partnered with the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon State University to offer the JYNNEOS hMPXV vaccine at the upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinics this week on OSU Corvallis campus, scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. through Thursday, Nov. 17, in Memorial Union Room 62 on campus at 2501 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis.
The JYNNEOS vaccine is also available through providers in Benton County. Speak with a medical provider, or contact one of the providers below to arrange a vaccination or if you are unsure if you should be vaccinated:
♦ Benton County Health Department: (541) 766-6835
♦ Samaritan Infectious Disease: (541) 768-5810 or self-schedule online at https://www.samhealth.org/find-a-location/s/samaritan-infectious-disease-corvallis/monkeypox.
♦ OSU Student Health Services (for OSU students only): (541) 737-9355
For more information on hMPXV, including symptoms and how to protect yourself, visit: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/monkeypox/Pages/index.aspx