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The Center joins health department to tackle rising monkeypox cases in Osceola County

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health said there have been 900 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Florida so far this year.

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More than two-thirds of those cases are in Central Florida, dozens more are in Orange County.

Getting tested and vaccinated for monkeypox hasn’t been easy anywhere in Central Florida so far, especially in Osceola County, where there are three confirmed cases,in addition to 14 probable cases.

The Center Kissimmee has partnered with the state Department of Health to get monkeypox shots into arms quickly.

READ: More than 100 confirmed monkeypox cases in Central Florida, including 1st toddler

The Center is offering more than 100 shots Monday through Thursday next week. Slots filled up the same day they were offered.

Last week, the combination of confirmed and probable cases in Osceola County was 10; the total is now 17.

READ: Monkeypox: How effective is the vaccine?

In Orange County, last week’s total was 82; now it’s 119.

Health care workers warn people to take the disease seriously and stay cautious, as case numbers are expected to keep climbing.

For more information on how to book a monkeypox appointments through the Department of Health, click here.

READ: Florida health officials recommend monkeypox vaccine as global outbreak continues

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Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.