Communicable Diseases

Monkeypox Information and Resources

Contact us at 712-242-1155 for information regarding monkeypox vaccinations.

Monkeypox is a viral infection that can spread through skin-to-skin contact, body fluids, monkeypox sores or shared items (such as clothing and bedding) that have been contaminated with fluids or sores of a person with monkeypox. The virus can also be spread through respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex. Although monkeypox is not generally considered a sexually transmitted infection, it can be transmitted during intimate contact and sex by skin-to-skin and other intimate contact, reguardless of gender or sexual orientation. 

People with monkeypox sometimes develop a flu-like illness with fever, fatigue, and enlarged lymph nodes followed by a rash. In other instances, people just develop a rash with or without swollen lymph nodes, which can occur on the genitals and/or around the anus. People usually develop monkeypox 7 to 14 days (and up to 21 days) after being exposed. 

The Health Department encourages the following individuals to call and seek guidance from their medical provider. 

  • Recently traveled to an area where monkeypox cases have been reported and you have symptoms of monkeypox especially if you have a rash or lesions. You can find a list of countries where monkeypox has been reported on the CDC website
  • People who have symptoms of monkeypox, particularly the characteristic rash or lesions
  • Contact with a confirmed or suspected monkeypox case

Reduce your risk of getting or spreading monkeypox by: 

  • Avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact including kissing with people who have a rash, sores, or confirmed monkeypox
  • Do not handle, touch or shake bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with rash, sores, or confirmed monkeypox
  • Do not share eating utensils or cups of a person with monkeypox
  • Washing your hands often
  • Covering your coughs and sneezes
  • Cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces and objects

Resources: 

CDC information: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html

Iowa Department of Public Health information: https://idph.iowa.gov/ehi/monkeypox

National case count: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/us-map.html

Iowa case count: https://idph.iowa.gov/ehi/monkeypox

COVID-19 Vaccine

While Pottawattamie County Public Health no longer is hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinics, you may obtain the COVID-19 vaccine at any of the following locations.

  • All Care Health Center & Pharmacy
  • CHI Health Clinic & Pharmacy
  • Children's Physicians, Council Bluffs
  • CVS Pharmacy (Metro Crossing)
  • Hy-Vee Pharmacy
  • Lehan Pharmacy
  • Methodist Physicians Clinics
  • Super Saver Pharmacy
  • Union Pharmacy
  • Walgreens Pharmacy
  • Walmart Pharmacy

Call the pharmacy/clinic for additional details.

 

Additional Resources

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