COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has confirmed the state's first death associated with the monkeypox virus on Thursday.
According to the ODH, an Ohio adult male who tested positive for the monkeypox virus died, but also had other health conditions.
The first monkeypox case in Ohio was reported in June 2022. Since that time, 276 cases have been identified across the state, including 28 hospitalizations.
According to the Cleveland Department of Public Health, the city of Cleveland has had 85 cases of monkeypox to date, more than any other city in Ohio. Cleveland has had 85 of the 140 cases in Cuyahoga County, which also has more cases than any other county in the state.
“The fact that this virus has caused a death in the state is not unexpected, but it is very rare or otherwise very uncommon for people to get monkeypox virus infection and die from it,” said Dr. Joseph Gastaldo, Ohio Health infectious disease specialist.
Dr. Gastaldo told 3News that people who die from monkeypox typically have comorbidities or are immunocompromised.
More than 25,000 people across the country have contracted monkeypox. The CDC says there have been at least 27 monkeypox deaths reported worldwide.
ODH leaders say infections with the type of monkeypox in this recent national outbreak are rarely fatal. Most people with monkeypox recover fully within 2 to 4 weeks without the need for medical treatment, but like Gastaldo, they have found that people with weakened immune systems may be more likely to get seriously ill or die.
“When we look globally, there have been deaths among people who have monkeypox. The vast majority have had comorbidities with severely weakened immune systems,” said ODH Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA. “If you are at high risk for monkeypox, please follow the proper prevention measures and get vaccinated to protect yourself and your community. These measures are crucial to follow If you have comorbidities and/or a weakened immune system.”
The majority of cases are still among men who have sex with other men, so Gastaldo urged those at a higher risk to get vaccinated.
The Cleveland Department of Public Health will host a vaccination clinic this Friday, Sept. 30, from noon to 6 p.m. at 1313 E. 26th Street. The JYNNEOS is a two-dose vaccine which requires four weeks between doses The CDPH vaccination clinic will offer both first and second doses.
Dates for October monkeypox vaccination clinics are expected to be announced soon. Vaccines are free and confidential. No pre‐registration or appointment is required. Click here for more information on CDPH's clinics. You can also click here to find a vaccination clinic near you.
Meanwhile, the Cuyahoga County of Board of Health will be providing monkeypox vaccines next month at The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland on 6705 Detroit Avenue.
The vaccine will be administered on a walk-in, first come, first serve basis. No appointment is required.
The following dates have been confirmed:
- Wednesday, October 5: 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 12: 4 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
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