The first case of pediatric monkeypox in Florida has been confirmed in Martin County. The WPBF reports that a Martin County child has tested positive for monkeypox. : Monkeypox infections in children may be more ‘serious’, Florida doctor says. And while the health department says the threat to the general population remains low, some local doctors say the lack of testing and vaccines is making the outbreak worse. “This exponential growth continues and will continue as long as we have a shortage of testing supplies and vaccination,” said Dr Aftab Khan, a local internal medicine specialist. Khan says testing supplies for monkeypox are so limited that they are being rationed for new availability.The Orlando Center said it will be offering vaccines by appointment only at its location at 1200 Hillcrest St. Suite 102 this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. So that cases in young children make up a very small percentage of all cases, doctors and pediatricians say parents should always exercise caution.” It can be much more serious in children. They can end up with more serious infections. They may end up getting pneumonia. They can end up with encephalitis. Additionally, it can be passed from mother to fetus,” said pediatrician Dr. Matthew Seibel. Doctors say the most common way a child can contract the disease is if someone else in their household tests positive. The best way to protect them? Avoid exposing yourself. “If you don’t need to kiss someone who’s sick, don’t,” Seibel said.
The first case of pediatric monkeypox in Florida has been confirmed in Martin County.
WPBF reports that a Martin County child has tested positive for monkeypox.
According to the Florida Department of Health’s Notifiable Disease Incidence Reportthe age of the child is between 0 and 4 years old.
Related: Monkeypox infections in children may be more ‘serious’, Florida doctor says
There are at least six other pediatric cases of monkeypox in the United States, including California, Indiana, Maine and Washington, D.C.
The number of monkeypox cases in Florida continues to rise. And while the health department says the threat to the general population remains low, some local doctors say the lack of tests and vaccines worsens the epidemic.
“This exponential growth continues and will continue as long as we have a shortage of testing and vaccination supplies,” said local internal medicine specialist Dr Aftab Khan.
Khan says testing supplies for monkeypox are so limited they are being rationed.
The health department said those interested in getting vaccinated should continue to check the department’s website for new availability.
The Orlando Center said it will be offering vaccines by appointment only at its location at 1200 Hillcrest St. Suite 102 this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
While cases in young children make up a very small percentage of all cases, doctors and pediatricians say parents should still exercise caution.
“It can be much more serious in children. They can end up with more serious infections. They can end up with pneumonia. They can end up with encephalitis. Also, it can be passed from mother to fetus” , said pediatrician Dr. Matthieu Seibel.
Doctors say the most common way a child can contract the disease is if someone else in their family tests positive.
The best way to protect them? Avoid exposure.
“If you don’t need to kiss someone who’s sick, don’t,” Seibel said.