Orange County Health Department

June 1, 2022

monkeypox

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by the monkeypox virus. The monkeypox virus spreads between animals and humans. There are currently no cases of monkeypox in North Carolina.

What are the symptoms of monkeypox? 
Symptoms of monkeypox appear seven to 14 days after infection. Early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. 

One to three days after the initial symptoms, a person will develop a rash and lesions. The rash often starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of their body. A person may experience symptoms for two to four weeks. 

How is monkeypox transmitted? 
Monkeypox is spread when a person comes into contact with an animal or human with the virus, or materials (such as clothing and bedding} that contain the virus. The virus is spread through large respiratory droplets and body fluids. 

How do you prevent monkeypox? 
In general, monkeypox is very rare, but it can be prevented by:


  • Avoiding contact with people who may be sick
  • Avoiding contact with materials, such as bedding, that have been used by someone who is sick 
  • Washing your hands often with soap and water, or using hand sanitize
  • Wearing a face mask around others

Smallpox vaccine can also help protect people from getting monkeypox.

What should I do if I have symptoms? 
If you experience flu-like illness, with rashes on the face and body and swelling of the lymph nodes, contact your health care provider.

Can monkeypox be treated? 
There is currently no proven, safe treatment for monkeypox. However, the smallpox vaccine, and some antivirals may be used to treat monkeypox.


LEARN MORE
boosters

Who is Eligible for a Booster Shot?

Ages 5 to 17 are eligible for the Pfizer booster only. People 18 and older may choose which vaccine they want for a booster, even if it is different from the original vaccine they received. Learn more. 


Recommendations During Infant Formula Shortage




Amidst the nationwide infant formula shortage, NCDHHS is connecting families with resources and sharing recommendations (Spanish) to help navigate supply issues safely. NCDHHS is also broadening access to formula for families who use the federal Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). The February recall of certain Abbott infant formulas increased the demand for other brands of formula, which has worsened the lingering effects of supply issues that arose during the pandemic nationwide. Read a recent news release for recommendations and reminders for families during the infant formula shortage. You can also find out what actions NCDHHS is taking to help make it easier for families to access formula during this shortage.

  • Infant Formula Choices for Families and Caregivers

  • Infant Formula Choices for Families and Caregivers - Spanish

infant formula choices

Finding COVID-19 Treatments

If you test positive and are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, treatments are available that can reduce your chances of being hospitalized or dying from the disease.

People who are more likely to get very sick include older adults (ages 50 years or more, with risk increasing with older age), people who are unvaccinated, and people with certain medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system.

Medications to treat COVID-19 must be prescribed by a healthcare provider and started as soon as possible after diagnosis to be effective. Contact a healthcare provider, health clinic, or pharmacist to learn about treatment options, even if your symptoms are mild right now.

Use the Test To Treat locator tool: Test To Treat (hhs.gov), or call 1-800-232-0233 to find a testing location that can provide treatment in your area.

Don’t delay: Treatment must be started within days after you first develop symptoms to be effective.
test to treat

do you need a COVID-19 test

Do You Need a COVID-19 Test?


Review the questions below to determine when to get tested. If you have had COVID-19 in the past 90 days and recovered, you do not need to be tested unless you develop new symptoms.

Do you have COVID-19 symptoms?
Get tested immediately.

Have you had close contact exposure to someone with COVID-19?
Get tested at least 5 days after exposure.

Are you traveling?
Learn more about testing for travel by visiting Travel | CDC

Are you planning to attend an upcoming event or gathering?
Reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 by getting tested as close to the event date as possible.

Where can I get a test?
To find PCR testing in Chapel Hill and Hillsborough, visit: https://www.orangecountync.gov/2451/Testing or call (919) 913-8088.

Many pharmacies and community centers provide access to free COVID-19 tests. Visit Community-Based Testing Centers or the Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) website to find testing locations in your area.

Self-tests
Order free tests at COVIDtests.gov. Free PCR tests are also available through the Orange County Health Department. 

Buy tests online or in pharmacies and retail stores. Private health insurance may reimburse the cost of purchasing self-tests. Visit FDA’s website for a list of authorized tests.


testing

Free COVID-19 Testing 

Testing in Hillsborough
Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm
  • Drive thru testing takes place in the parking lot in front of the Dept. of Social Services (DSS) at 113 Mayo St., Hillsborough, NC 27278. 
  • Registration is strongly recommended and may be done online: mako.exchange/scheduler/registration/?location=7087 You may also call (919) 913-8088 to register weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Walk-in are also welcome.
  • Your Booking ID will be valid any day during clinic hours and is reusable.
  • Mako offers only PCR tests.  
Testing in Chapel Hill
Monday through Friday from 7 am to 3pm
Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm 
  • Testing takes place at Southern Human Services Center (SHSC) at 2501 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 in the large conference room, which may be accessed via a side entrance, not the main entrance.
  • Registration may be done online: https://lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling 877-562-4850. Walk-in are also welcome.
  • Optum offers both PCR and rapid tests.   
  • You may find other testing locations here: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/about-covid-19/testing/find-covid-19-tests
vaccine clinic
chapel hill vaccine clinic

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics


Vaccines are free, and no ID is required! Walk-ins are welcome! If you are coming for your second dose, or a booster please bring your vaccination card with the record of your previous doses. Visit our COVID-19 Vaccine page for the most up-to-date information: www.orangecountync.gov/getyourshot, or call (919) 913-8088 with any questions. 

Ages 5 and up can be vaccinated! To make an appointment call (919) 913-8088 or visit https://takemyshot.nc.gov.

Chapel Hill
Southern Human Services Center
2501 Homestead Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm

Appointments encouraged but walk-ins also accepted. 
***Ages 5 and up.
***Moderna, J&J, and Pfizer vaccines are available.


Hillsborough
Bonnie B. Davis Environment & Agricultural Center
1020 US Hwy 70 W., Hillsborough, NC
Friday and Saturday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Appointments encouraged but walk-ins also accepted. 
***Ages 5 and up.
***Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are available.


North Carolina COVID-19 Cases


The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) reports 2,744,935 COVID-19 cases, 24,644 deaths and 574 hospitalizations. 64% of North Carolina's population is up to date on their COVID-19 vaccination.

There are currently 29,382 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 134 deaths in Orange County.


Orange County COVID-19 vaccinations:
Percentage of Population Vaccinated with at least One Dose: 79%
Percentage of Population Vaccinated with Two Doses or one Dose J&J: 77%
Percentage of Population Vaccinated with One Booster/ Additional Dose: 55% 

For more information regarding live updates (NCDHHS updates the site every day around noon), please visit the NCDHHS website. 

Orange County Health Department also has a COVID-19 dashboard webpage, with information on COVID-19 data in the county. 

More information may be found at www.orangecountync.gov/coronavirus




Contact Information


For general questions (not urgent) about COVID-19, contact NCDHHS at: ncresponse@dhhs.nc.gov or 1-866-462-3821 to address general questions about coronavirus from the public.

If you are an individual or a medical practice with questions about COVID-19, call the Orange County Health Department at (919) 913-8088 weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Contact Kristin Prelipp, the Orange County Health Department’s Public Information Officer at: kprelipp@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-2462.

Orange County Health Department:
Web: www.orangecountync.gov/coronavirus
Phone: 919-245-2400
Email: covid19@orangecountync.gov
Facebook: Orange County Health Department
Instagram: OrangeHealthNC
Twitter: Orange Health NC
Youtube: OCHDNC


SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER.

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email

Copyright 2022 Orange County (N.C.) Government. All Rights Reserved.
300 W Tryon St, Hillsborough, NC 27278

Powered by
CivicSend - A product of CivicPlus