Maine announces first pediatric case of monkeypox

Timothy Nazzaro
·1 min read
2

Health officials announced on Friday they’ve identified a case of monkeypox in a Maine resident under the age of 18.

The Maine CDC says this is the first pediatric case in the state and at least two other states, California and Florida, also have confirmed juvenile cases of monkeypox.

Because of patient privacy laws and the age of the patient, no further information about the case will be released. The CDC is working to identify any close contacts of the patient.

Officials say the monkeypox vaccine, Jynneos, is available throughout the state and are urging anyone who believes they have been exposed to the virus to get vaccinated.

A list of locations are available here.

The CDC says monkeypox can spread through:

  • Direct skin-to-skin contact with rash lesions. Sexual/intimate contact, including kissing while a person is infected.

  • Living in a house and sharing a bed with someone. Sharing towels or unwashed clothing.

  • Respiratory secretions through face-to-face interactions (the type that mainly happen when living with someone or caring for someone who has monkeypox)

DPH says monkeypox does not spread through:

  • Casual conversations. Walking by someone with monkeypox in a grocery store, for instance. Touching items like doorknobs.

More information about monkeypox is available on the DPH and CDC websites.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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