CDC: Monkeypox cases in Georgia pass 1,000

Cases of monkeypox in Georgia have topped 1,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

On Wednesday morning, the case count in Georgia was 1,013, the fifth-highest case count in the country. In the U.S., 49 of 50 states had recorded at least one case. Georgia has the fourth most cases of any state behind New York, California and Texas. In the United States on Wednesday morning, there were 12,689 total confirmed monkeypox and orthopoxvirus cases.

The Georgia Department of Public Health reports about 45% of the cases are between the ages of 26 and 35, 30% are between 36 and 45. Only one person under 18 has been reported to have contracted the virus.

The GDPH also reports 99% of all cases reported are in men with 76% of the cases being among persons of color.

As of Wednesday, 12,475 people in Georgia have received the first dose and 574 people are considered fully vaccinated, according to the GPDH.

Health officials say the chance of contracting the disease from a contaminated surface is low, but using the same clothing, towels or sheets as an infected person is riskier.

OWNERS SPREAD MONKEYPOX TO DOG, DOCTORS REPORT

Vaccines are in high demand, but the supply is still scarce. 

As of Wednesday, 12,475 people in Georgia have received the first dose and 574 people are considered fully vaccinated, according to the GPDH.

Health officials say the chance of contracting the disease from a contaminated surface is low, but using the same clothing, towels or sheets as an infected person is riskier.

OWNERS SPREAD MONKEYPOX TO DOG, DOCTORS REPORT

Vaccines are in high demand, but the supply is still scarce. 

"I know it's going to spread like wildfire it's good that we got protected sooner than later," said Gian Paul Graziosi, a student who was vaccinated at an Atlanta-area clinic.

MONKEYPOX: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW AS U.S. DECLARES PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

Most monkeypox patients experience only fever, body aches, chills and fatigue. People with more serious illnesses may develop a rash and lesions on the face and hands that can spread to other parts of the body.

The disease can be spread through close, personal, skin-to-skin contact including direct contact with rashes or sores, contact with objects or fabric that have been used by someone with monkeypox, or respiratory droplets or oral fluids.

A two-dose vaccine, Jynneos, is approved for monkeypox in the U.S. The government has more doses of an older smallpox vaccine — ACAM2000 — that could also be used, but that vaccine is considered to have a greater risk of side effects and is not recommended for people who have HIV. 

Anyone with a rash that looks like monkeypox should talk to their healthcare provider, even if you do not believe you have had contact with anyone who has contracted the virus.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

MONKEYPOX: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW AS U.S. DECLARES PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

Most monkeypox patients experience only fever, body aches, chills and fatigue. People with more serious illnesses may develop a rash and lesions on the face and hands that can spread to other parts of the body.

The disease can be spread through close, personal, skin-to-skin contact including direct contact with rashes or sores, contact with objects or fabric that have been used by someone with monkeypox, or respiratory droplets or oral fluids.

A two-dose vaccine, Jynneos, is approved for monkeypox in the U.S. The government has more doses of an older smallpox vaccine — ACAM2000 — that could also be used, but that vaccine is considered to have a greater risk of side effects and is not recommended for people who have HIV. 

Anyone with a rash that looks like monkeypox should talk to their healthcare provider, even if you do not believe you have had contact with anyone who has contracted the virus.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Woodstock festival, West Side block party celebrate community

Woodstock’s third annual Día de los Muertos festival brought Mexican art, food and traditions to the city, including mariachi music, salsa dancing and a community ofrenda honoring loved ones who have died. In Atlanta, the West Side Strong Block Party featured an outdoor market, DJs, food trucks and family activities, giving neighbors a chance to explore the area and support local businesses and nonprofits.

Sunday evening weather forecast

Mild, above-average temperatures in the 70s will continue across much of the Atlanta area for the next few days before cooler weather moves in next weekend. Clear skies and calm winds could bring overnight frost to areas west, northwest and north of metro Atlanta, where temperatures may fall into the 30s; residents are advised to cover or bring in sensitive plants. Monday is expected to be sunny, with highs in the low 70s.

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