New dashboard includes case counts by county and certain demographic information
OLYMPIA – To further expand access to important public health information, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has launched a new, interactive monkeypox (MPV) data dashboard.
The MPV dashboard features data including:
- Case counts at the state and county levels
- Total weekly case counts
- Case information by sex at birth
- Age groups of people who have MPV
DOH is working to expand the dashboard to include race and ethnicity data of the communities most effected by MPV, along with vaccination distribution information. It will be updated every Tuesday and Thursday.
“MPV cases are decreasing across our state, but this outbreak isn’t over yet. Access to information is critical for people to properly assess their risk factors and protect themselves,” said Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health. “In addition to vaccination and prevention efforts, this new dashboard is another tool Washingtonians can use to stay healthy and informed.”
It’s important to know your risks for MPV and how to protect yourself. MPV is usually spread through close skin-to-skin contact with a person with an infectious rash. It can also be spread touching objects, fabrics and surfaces that have been used by someone with MPV and contact with respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact. If you have an unexplained rash, cover it, avoid skin-to-skin contact with others, and see a health care provider. They will determine what testing and treatment is needed. If you’ve been exposed to someone with MPV, contact a health provider or your local health jurisdiction to discuss whether you are eligible for vaccination.
More information is available on the Washington State Department of Health MPV information page.
Original source can be found here.
