News

HAGERSTOWN, Md. – As monkeypox cases continue to rise in the state of Maryland, Meritus Health remains prepared in advance of possible community needs.

“Our teams are dedicated to caring for this community, and in this instance, that means quickly developing safe pathways for information and awareness, and if needed access to testing and consultation,” explained Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H., Meritus Health President and CEO.

Joshi said community members who develop symptoms of monkeypox, which includes rash, fever, headache, muscle ache and fatigue, should consult with their provider on whether testing is recommended.

In general, current testing for Monkeypox does require obtaining a sample from an active rash. For those who need it, Meritus has established a testing location at the Meritus Medical Laboratory, 13620 Crayton Boulevard, Hagerstown. Patients will need a lab order from a provider. If a community member does not have a primary care physician, they can consult with a provider via MeritusNow at now.MeritusHealth.com.

Testing results are expected to take between 5-7 days from the time the test is collected. Meritus is offering testing, but the tests are analyzed by an outside lab.

Patients should consult with a provider to determine if they should be vaccinated. Currently, the CDC recommends vaccinations for people who have been exposed to monkeypox and people who are at higher risk of being exposed to monkeypox. Eligibility for monkeypox vaccination may change as the outbreak evolves and based on vaccine supply.

At present, vaccines are being stored and held through the Maryland Department of Health, and these will be available to our county if we see active transmission and positivity.

Meritus Health will be ready and willing to assist in vaccination as eligibility evolves.

Meritus Health has established an information resource page for the community located at: MeritusHealth.com/monkeypox. Community members can view information on testing, signs, and symptoms by visiting that page.