Is Hamilton County prepared for Monkeypox?

We ask a local health officer about our supply of treatment and vaccines

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Although Monkeypox has been around since around 1958, it’s only recently been labeled as an outbreak.

Hamilton County Health Officer Dr. Stephen Miller says if Monkeypox makes it way into the County, he’s confident there’s enough treatment and vaccinations available.

“We do have an effective vaccination for it. And even in Tennessee, we have an appropriate amount allocated to us to be able to serve anyone that currently has it or take care of future outbreaks, we do have not only the vaccination for those that have had close contact, but also we have treatment for those that meet the criteria that are having symptoms with their monkey pox.”

Monkeypox is in the same family of viruses as small pox, although its side effects aren’t as severe.