NCDHHS releases monkeypox response plan

North Carolina state officials have released a response plan addressing the spread of the monkeypox virus. 

The message from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is: “Get checked. Get tested. Get protected.” 

This comes after months of preparation and study by the department, resulting in a new document outlining its response efforts. 

Officials urge residents to get checked by a health care provider if they've had close contact with someone diagnosed with monkeypox.

The second step is to get tested by a health care professional. 

And finally, while most people with monkeypox recuperate on their own, the department recommends treatment, especially for people with a high risk of severe illness. 

Officials say a limited supply of vaccines are available for those exposed, and for gay or bisexual men or transgender individuals who have been sexually active. 

According to a department news release, there is plenty of testing capacity among North Carolina health care providers, and the vaccine supply is expected to increase. 

Monkeypox is a viral illness that typically begins with flu-like symptoms and can progress to blister or pimple-like rashes on the face and body.