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EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS

a well-fitting mask and frequently cleaning or other event where monkeypox exposure maEndHIV.com), or contact Metro Health’s
household surfaces. If possible, a separate is known to have occurred may be referred Clinician Ambassador program at
bathroom is ideal. Coversheets or water- to Metro Health at 210-207-8876 for as- lucinda.zeinelabdin2@sanantonio.gov for an
proof covers can be placed on upholstered sessment for possible vaccination. in-service on sexual history-taking and LGBT-
furniture and other porous materials that friendly care.
cannot be laundered. To prevent inadver- For the LGBT community, this monkeypox
tent infection of the eye, counsel patients to outbreak has triggered trauma from homo- Junda Woo, MD, MPH, is Medical
use eyeglasses rather than contact lenses phobia and discrimination experienced early Director and Local Health Authority
during this time. in the AIDS pandemic. People with monkey- at the San Antonio Metropolitan
pox are expressing that they experience pain, Health District.
• Vaccination: An attenuated live virus vac- shame—especially with facial lesions—guilt,
cine, Jynneos, is approved by the Food & fear, loneliness, and depression. We have even Anita K Kurian, MBBS, MPH,
Drug Administration as a 2-dose series over heard anecdotal reports of suicidal ideation. DrPH; Assistant Director, San Anto-
28 days for prevention of smallpox and The HIV epidemic taught us that LGBT nio Metropolitan Health District.
monkeypox in adults. It is currently avail- stigma and HIV stigma create significant bar-
able to a limited number of established pa- riers for at-risk populations who need treat-
tients at six San Antonio clinics with large ment, by deterring testing, treatment, and
LGBT populations. As the nation’s vaccine disclosure of contacts. You can make it more
supply increases, distribution will be ex- likely that people will remain engaged in care
panded. Additionally, Metro Health will by fostering an environment of acceptance and
vaccinate close contacts of people identified inclusivity. To learn more, check out guide-
during public health case investigations. Pa- lines for stigma-free care by the End Stigma
tients who recently attended a festival, rave End HIV Alliance of San Antonio (EndStig-

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