UPDATE FROM THE HEALTH DEPT

Monkeypox



As of Aug 19, there are 73 cases of monkeypox in CT. Anyone can contract monkeypox. Monkeypox is primarily spread through close, personal, skin-to-skin contact with the infectious rash, scabs, and bodily fluids, but it can also be spread by touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox. Symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, headache, muscle aches, and backache swollen lymph nodes chill, exhaustion, and a rash. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

Anyone with a rash that looks like Monkeypox should talk to their healthcare provider even if they don’t think they had contact with someone who has monkeypox. Anyone in close personal contact with a person with monkeypox is at increased risk and should take steps to protect themselves. State and local health departments have information and resources to assist a person with monkeypox, their close contacts, and family members in recovery and preventive services. Currently, vaccine is in very limited supply in CT so priority is given to those who are close contacts of someone who has monkeypox. Known contacts who do not have any symptoms can contact their local health dept to get a referral for expedited vaccination.

For the most up-to-date number of monkeypox cases in Connecticut and throughout the United States, please visit the CDC website.  

COVID-19

CDC recently updated isolation and quarantine guidance for COVID-19.  Additionally, CT Dept of Education and Office of Early Child Education updated their quarantine guidance for the upcoming school year. Region 4 Schools will provide information to their school community in the upcoming weeks. Childcare centers will provide specific guidance directly the children’s family. 

COVID-19 test kits are widely available at retail stores. Schools will be receiving COVID-19 test kits in early September and will have programs for disseminating to school families. The US Postal Service continues to offer Free AT-Home COVID-19 Test kits. Essex Health Dept is receiving more COVID-19 test kits next week. Please call or visit the Health Dept if you need COVID-19 test kits or masks.

The FDA approved extended expiration dates on many At-Home, Over-the-Counter, COVID-19 test kits including the iHealth and Flowflex test kits distributed by the Essex Health Dept. Expiration dates are extended 3-6 months past the labeled expiration date on the box. To check the manufacturers’ extended expiration date visit the FDA website.

If you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19, wear a mask and get tested. If you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to quarantine unless you develop symptoms. For information on vaccinations, booster and immunization records visit the CT COVID-19 Portal.