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City of Cleveland reports first monkeypox death

The Cleveland Department of Public Health has reported the city's first monkeypox-related death.

CLEVELAND — Editor's note: the video in the player above is from a previous story.

Nearly five months after reporting its first case, the City of Cleveland is reporting its first death associated with the monkeypox (MPX) virus.

According to the Cleveland Department of Public Health (CDPH), the adult male was a Cleveland resident, who tested positive for the MPX virus before dying. The man also had other health conditions and was hospitalized at the time of his death.

"We’re devastated by this news and any premature death in our community," Dr. David Margolius, Director of the Cleveland Department of Public Health said. "We’re grateful to all of our partners participating in the vaccination effort to help reduce the burden of infectious diseases in Cleveland."

To date, the state of Ohio has reported 370 monkeypox cases, including 154 in Cuyahoga County and 91 in the city of Cleveland. Meanwhile, a total of 10,062 Ohioans have gotten at least their first dose of JYNNEOS, the two-dose MPX vaccine taken a month apart, including 2,611 people in Cuyahoga County.

CPDH noted that anyone can get monkeypox and that the virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, contact with contaminated clothes or linen, or contact with respiratory secretions from an infected individual. While current cases are disproportionately affecting gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, anyone can spread MPX, regardless of sexual orientation 

"Those with multiple or anonymous sex partners are also particularly at risk," CPDH said in a release. "However, anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, who has been in close, personal contact with someone who has MPX is at risk."

The release also noted that "following the recommended prevention steps and promptly seeking treatment or getting vaccinated if you were exposed to MPX or are at higher risk of being exposed to MPX can help protect you and your community."

The City of Cleveland will be hosting the following vaccine clinics. No clinics will be held on Nov. 24-25 due to the Thanksgiving holiday and vaccines are free and confidential:

Mean Bull - 1313 E. 26th St. Cleveland, OH 44114

  • 11/18/2022
  • Monkeypox and Flu Vaccinations Available
  • Time: 12 p.m.-6 p.m.

J. Glen Smith Health Center – 11100 St. Clair Ave. Cleveland, OH 44108

  • 11/23/22
  • Monkeypox, Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations Available
  • Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

McCafferty Health Center – 4242 Lorain Ave. Cleveland, OH 44113

  • 11/21/22
  • 11/23/22
  • Monkeypox, Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations Available
  • Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

LGBT Community Center - 6705 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102

  • 11/22/22
  • Monkeypox, Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations Available
  • Time: 2:30 p.m-5:30 p.m.

Editor's note: the video in the player above is from a previous story.

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