Fort Dodge Correctional Facility Mpox: Mpox, a viral disease, has been found at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility. This disease is known for causing severe rashes and pustules. The Iowa Department of Corrections is taking action to control the situation.
How Is the Situation Being Managed?
Paul Cornelius, the Chief of Staff at the Iowa Department of Corrections, confirmed that they are actively handling the situation. He mentioned that those who are affected are getting the care they need. The facility has also put in place strict sanitation and isolation measures to stop the spread of the disease. However, it is not clear how many people have been infected. Cornelius did not provide more details, as an investigation is still ongoing.
What Is Mpox?
Mpox, which was previously known as monkeypox, belongs to the same virus family as smallpox. The virus was first discovered in 1958 in primates. However, monkeys are not the source of the infection. The disease can spread from animals to humans, but it also spreads between people through physical contact.
There are two main types of Mpox: clade I and clade II. Clade I is more severe and is common in Central Africa, while clade II is less serious and is found in West Africa. The strain found at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility is clade II. This type is less dangerous than clade I, which has been spreading in Africa but has not yet reached the United States.
How Does Mpox Spread?
Mpox spreads through bodily fluids and physical contact. The disease can be passed from one person to another through close contact with respiratory droplets, skin lesions, or objects that have been recently contaminated. This is why the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility has implemented strict sanitation measures.
What Are the Symptoms of Mpox?
The symptoms of Mpox are similar to those of the flu. They include headache, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Other symptoms are exhaustion, chills, and backaches. The most noticeable symptom is a rash that develops one to three days after infection. This rash usually starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body, including the hands, feet, chest, and genitals. The rash can be very painful and filled with pus. It goes through several stages before eventually drying out and falling off.
The illness can last from two to four weeks. While it is usually mild, it can be deadly if not treated.
How Can Mpox Be Treated?
Vaccines are available to protect against Mpox. The JYNNEOS vaccine is recommended for people who are at higher risk, such as children, pregnant women, and those with weak immune systems. The vaccine is a two-dose series, given at least four weeks apart. It is effective against both clade I and clade II strains. The CDC reports that fully vaccinated people have a lower chance of getting infected. Even if they do get infected, the symptoms are usually milder than in unvaccinated people.
If you are in Iowa and want to get vaccinated, you can find locations by visiting the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services website.
How Can You Prevent Mpox?
To prevent Mpox, it is important to avoid contact with people who have symptoms. Do not touch the rashes or scabs of an infected person. Also, try to avoid indirect contact, such as touching shared door handles or bedding. Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Conclusion
The detection of Mpox at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility is a serious matter. However, the Iowa Department of Corrections is taking strong steps to manage the situation. By understanding what Mpox is and how it spreads, you can take steps to protect yourself and others from this disease.
