Indiana’s 7-day average for COVID-19 cases is down this week, and monkeypox cases have not changed much since last week.
Monroe County reported 135 COVID-19 cases in the past week compared to 793 in the past month. There have been zero deaths in Monroe County this week.
Indiana reported 6,251 cases this week and 18 deaths.
Despite these numbers, the transition to at-home tests for many has caused cases to go unreported, including in Monroe County.
Over the summer, IU removed its COVID-19 dashboard. However, students can still get free PCR tests through drop-off testing and up to four free antigen tests per month from vending machines in the Indiana Memorial Union and the McNutt center building.
Anyone older than six months can now receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination appointments can be made at ourshot.in.gov.
Updated vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer are now available. The vaccine targets the BA.4 and BA.5 coronavirus variants, which have evaded prior versions of the vaccine more easily. These variants currently make up all new coronavirus cases in the U.S.
There have been 183 cases of monkeypox reported in Indiana since the first case in June. This is an increase of 14 cases in a week, which is less than last week’s increase.
Most cases have been concentrated in central Indiana, with 41% of cases affecting those 18 to 29, according to the Indiana monkeypox dashboard.
The first monkeypox death in the U.S. may have occurred in Texas on Aug. 30, although this is not yet confirmed. A second monkeypox death that occurred this week in Los Angeles County is also being investigated.
The main symptom of monkeypox is a rash that resembles pimples or blisters. Other symptoms of monkeypox include fever, cough and nasal congestion.
Positive Link at IU Health is offering monkeypox vaccines for high-risk individuals at its weekly vaccine clinic on Tuesdays.
