06/02/2022

ODH Health Alert: Monkeypox virus update

Yesterday afternoon, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) shared the attached Monkeypox Virus Update outlining resources available through ODH for the diagnosis of monkeypox and other important information. Healthcare providers who suspect monkeypox due to clinical presentation and patient history should report suspected cases to the appropriate local health department based on the patient’s address.

LeadingAge Ohio encourages members to evaluate their emergency preparedness response protocols specific to monkeypox. They should consider monkeypox’s impact on the facility’s hazardous vulnerability risk, training, communication, their nursing staff’s competency in assessment, response, and contact tracing. LeadingAge Ohio encourages members to reach out to local health departments’ to understand their plans for response to a suspicion of monkeypox at a facility and discuss the process for obtaining lab results.