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

ORLANDO, Fla. — Monkeypox continues to spread throughout Central Florida, and the health department is urging people to take precautions.

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While Miami-Dade and Broward counties have the most cases, Central Florida has more than 110 cases, including for the first time a child under 4 years old.

Out of the more than 1,300 cases statewide, 82 people have tested positive for monkeypox in Orange County, 10 people in Osceola County, five in Volusia County and one in Seminole County.

The health department said 99% of those who tested positive are men who have sex with men, and more than half also have HIV.

READ: Volusia County reports first confirmed case of monkeypox, 7 cases confirmed across Central Florida

The department of health has opened access not only just to those exposed, but now to men who have sex with men.

The Center’s CEO George Wallace said, despite this, it’s not just a disease in the LGBTQ+ community.

“It’s also stigmatizing that so many promotions (indicate) that it’s gay and bisexual men,” Wallace said. “Anybody can get it, including children.”

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

The Center is one of the resources working with the health department to help distribute the vaccine. It’s holding an event this Saturday that’s already booked up.

Monkeypox cannot be spread in the air. You must have skin-to-skin contact with lesions.

The vaccine allotment is still limited since it’s being given to states by the federal government.

READ: Central Florida residents struggle to get tested for, vaccinated against monkeypox

Florida has received a total of 65,000 shots from the federal government so far, but there’s no guarantee when the state will get more.

To make doses go further, clinics are switching over to intradermal injections, meaning the needle goes just under the skin, allowing them to get five doses out of one vial.

READ: Biden declares monkeypox a public health emergency; what it means for Central Florida

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Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.