2nd case of monkeypox reported in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The second case of monkeypox has been found in Pittsburgh.
Central Outreach Wellness Center confirmed on Thursday that it is treating a second patient who tested positive for monkeypox. Central Outreach informed the public on Wednesday about its first patient who was diagnosed. Both patients received care at Central Outreach's North Shore location.
According to the CDC, there are 396 confirmed monkeypox cases in the U.S., with 10 cases in Pennsylvania. Most of the cases in the state are in Philadelphia.
Dr. Brian Lamb, an internal medicine doctor with Allegheny Health Network, said the virus spreads like chickenpox and is transmitted through close personal contact.
"If you are kissing, basically if your skin is contacted with someone else who has the virus on their skin, that's how you get it," Lamb said.
He said a person should call their primary care provider or local health department if they believe they had close contact with someone with monkeypox. Lamb said a person's PCP or health department will help them find out where they can be tested and then consider the vaccine. He said tests and vaccines are not available everywhere.
"You don't want to just walk into your doctor's office, most offices don't have the testing available. The tests that were run here, they were diagnosed at Central Outreach but were actually tested at West Penn Hospital. You don't want to just walk into a hospital unannounced saying you think you have it." he said.
Dr. Lamb said it's important to know that anyone can get monkeypox.
"It can easily transmit to anyone," he said. "You can get it from someone without having sex, if you're in close contact with someone at work or at a party, anything like that."
Lamb and the founder of Central Outreach, Dr. Stacy Lane, advise people to avoid touching other people. Health experts said people do not need to panic, but still, be cautious.
"We are not in the midst of a huge outbreak here, don't panic, don't rush to the emergency room. If you notice something strange, call your doctor," Lamb said.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health said the first positive monkeypox case in Pittsburgh involves a southwestern Pennsylvania resident. The Allegheny County Health Department said the first case did not involve an Allegheny County resident. Both departments have not shared information about the second case and where the patient resides.
Again, if you need to get tested, call your doctor or the health department for guidance. Central Outreach Wellness Center said it has test kits available.