CAMP Rehoboth event to address monkeypox virus Aug. 16

CAMP Rehoboth Community Center will host a town hall to address the hMPVX, commonly referred to as monkeypox, public health emergency from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 16, at its Elkins-Archibald Atrium, 37 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach.

Admission is free, but RSVP is requested to gauge attendance. To register, go to tinyurl.com/378avdyu or camprehoboth.com.

Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Molly Magarik will discuss Delaware's response to the virus in the community, and will field questions and concerns from community members. Joining Magarik will be Dr. Marci Drees, ChristianaCare chief infection prevention officer and hospital epidemiologist.

The Biden administration officially declared the hMPVX virus a public health emergency Aug. 4. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, especially contact with the lesions that appear during the rash period of the illness. While the virus can affect anyone and is not restricted to any one group, the latest outbreak is disproportionately affecting men who have sex with men.