The first case of pediatric monkeypox in Florida has been confirmed in Martin County. WPBF reports that a child in Martin County has tested positive for monkey pox. According to the Florida Department of Health’s Reportable Disease Frequency Report, the child’s age is between 0 and 4 years old. Monkeypox Infections in Children May Be “More Serious,” Florida Doctor Says. There are at least six other pediatric cases of monkeypox in the US, including California, Indiana, Maine and Washington, DC. The number of monkey pox cases in Florida continues to rise. And while the health department says the threat to the general population remains low, some local doctors say the lack of tests and vaccines is exacerbating the outbreak. testing supplies and vaccination,” said Dr. Aftab Khan, a local specialist in internal medicine. Khan says monkey pox testing supplies are so limited that they are being rationed. The health department says those who want an injection should continue to check the department’s website for new availability. The Orlando center said they will offer vaccines by appointment only this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their location at 102, 1200 Hillcrest St. Suite, while cases in young children make up a very small percentage of total cases, doctors and pediatricians say. that parents still need to be careful. “It can be much more serious in children. They can end up with more serious infections. They can get pneumonia. They can end up with encephalitis. It can also be passed from mothers to their fetus,” said pediatrician Dr. Matthew Seibel. Doctors say the most common way a child can get the disease is if someone else in their household tests positive. The best way to protect them? Avoid exposure. “If you don’t have to hug someone who is sick, then don’t,” Seibel said.
The first case of pediatric monkeypox in Florida has been confirmed in Martin County.
WPBF reports that a child in Martin County has tested positive for monkey pox.
According to the Florida Department of Health’s Reportable Disease Frequency Report, the child’s age is between 0 and 4 years.
Related: Monkeypox Infections In Children Could Be ‘More Serious’, Florida Doctor Says
There are at least six other pediatric cases of monkeypox in the US, including in California, Indiana, Maine, and Washington, D.C.
The number of monkey pox cases in Florida continues to rise. And while the health department says the threat to the general population remains low, some local doctors say the lack of testing and vaccines is exacerbating the outbreak.
“This exponential growth continues and will continue as long as we have a shortage of testing supplies and vaccinations,” said Dr. Aftab Khan, a local specialist in internal medicine.
Khan says monkey pox testing supplies are so limited that they are being rationed.
The health department says those who want an injection should continue to check the department’s website for new availability.
The Orlando center said they will be offering vaccines by appointment only at their location at 1200 Hillcrest St. Suite 102 this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Although cases in young children make up a very small percentage of total cases, doctors and pediatricians say parents should still exercise caution.
“It can be much more serious in children. They can get more serious infections, they can get pneumonia, they can get encephalitis. It can also be passed from mothers to their fetus,” said pediatrician Dr. Matthew Seibel.
Doctors say the most common way a child can get the disease is if someone else in their household tests positive.
The best way to protect them? Avoid exposure.
“If you don’t have to hug someone who is sick, then don’t,” Seibel said.
