Mission
Contain the spread of monkeypox and mitigate the impacts on individuals and the community.
Objectives
- Quickly diagnose and isolate people with monkeypox
- Limit spread through vaccination and contact tracing
- Increase the community's knowledge on preventive measures
Key Context
This is a living document summarizing Alexandria Health Department’s monkeypox priorities and response. Changes will be made based on public health’s understanding of monkeypox, updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Virginia Department of Health guidance, as well as Alexandria Health Department resources and prioritizations.
Response Timeline as of August 5, 2022
- May 19, 2022 - First confirmed case in the US
- May 24, 2022 - First mpox test performed at AHD
- May 27, 2022 - First confirmed case in VA
- June 16, 2022 - First JYNNEOS vaccine arrived and administered at AHD
- July 13, 2022 - AHD initiates door-to-door healthcare provider outreach
- July 15, 2022 - COVID-19 call center converted to a COVID and mpox hotline
- July 18, 2022 - MRC activated to participate in mpox response
- July 18, 2022 - AHD launches mpox vaccine interest form
- July 22, 2022 - First AHD vaccination event for high-risk individuals
- July 26 2022 - AHD facilitated first TPOXX treatment in Alexandria
Strategies
Conduct thorough case investigation and contact tracing
- Educate people diagnosed with monkeypox on how to prevent spread, get symptom relief, and seek treatment
- Identify people who were in contact with the person with monkeypox
- Quickly vaccinate contacts without symptoms. Vaccination can prevent illness or decrease the severity
- Rapidly test contacts who develop symptoms
- Support individuals who need additional services such as sexually transmitted infections (STI) testing, or food and supplies to facilitate isolation
Vaccinate high-risk populations where outbreak is spreading
- Increase AHD point of dispensing (POD) operations to administer hundreds of vaccinations per week
- Widely promote vaccination interest form through social networks
Empower residents and providers to take preventive action
- Conduct a virtual information session for the general public
- Work with LGBTQ+ partners to share information, and ensure all communication materials are culturally appropriate, inclusive, and not stigmatizing
- Provide up to date information through the AHD hotline and new email inbox: alexhealth@vdh.virginia.gov
- Send frequent emails to Alexandria providers with updates on current knowledge of the illness, available testing options, vaccination guidelines, and treatment recommendations
- Drop off packets of materials to healthcare offices using Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers
Provide evaluation, testing, and treatment for residents without health insurance
- Provide monkeypox screening at AHD clinics
- Dispense TPOXX to positive individuals seen in the clinic
Support community settings with additional guidance and resources
- Develop and disseminate information regarding reporting, cleaning, and communication for schools, daycares, hotels, detention centers, long-term care facilities, shelters, and group homes