COVID-19 and monkeypox cases in Indiana have declined significantly this week.
COVID-19
Monroe County reported 49 COVID-19 cases and zero deaths in the past week. Indiana reported 3,153 cases this week and 17 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.
Individuals are eligible for the updated Pfizer vaccine if they are 12 and older, and eligible for the Moderna vaccine if they are 18 and older. To receive the shot, individuals must have completed the entire COVID-19 vaccine series and wait at least 2 months after the last booster and 3 months after testing positive for COVID-19.
Find the clinics nearby offering the new vaccine here.
Monkeypox
There have been 228 cases of monkeypox reported in Indiana since the first case in June. There have been just 6 new cases this week, which is significantly less than last week’s increase.
Most cases have been concentrated in central Indiana, with 37.3% of cases affecting those 18 to 29, according to the Indiana monkeypox dashboard.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new warning about severe illnesses from monkeypox after Ohio reported its first monkeypox death September 29, making it the third death associated with the disease in the U.S.
This severe version of monkeypox mostly occurs in people who are immunocompromised or have HIV, particularly if untreated, although anyone can get it.
Examples of severe manifestations of monkeypox are necrotic lesions that may require amputation, bowel lesions causing obstruction and lesions that affect essential organs, like the heart, eyes, lungs and brain.
The first confirmed monkeypox death in the U.S. occurred in Los Angeles County on Sept. 12. Another monkeypox death in the U.S. may have occurred in Texas on Aug. 30, although this is not yet confirmed.
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.
