WC CWF Health District Board Minutes - 09/09/2022 WICHITA FALLS-WICHITA COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH BOARD MINUTES
9v,COUNTYpGBGc September 9, 2022
Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District
1700 Third Street -Warren Assembly Room
Wichita Falls, Texas
Public Health
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Keith Williamson, M.D., Chair Physician—City Appointment
Lauren Jansen, Ph.D., R.N., Vice-Chair Registered Nurse—City Appointment
Paris Ward, M.A.,B.S., Secretary Citizen At-Large - City Appointment
David Carlston, Ph.D. Citizen At-Large—County Appointment
Tonya Egloff, D.D.S. Dentist—County Appointment
BOARD MEMBERS EXCUSED ABSENCE:
Melissa Plowman Restaurant Association -City Appointment
BOARD MEMBERS UNEXCUSED ABSENCE:
Jered Harlan, D.V.M. Veterinarian -City Appointment
OTHERS PRESENT:
Lou Kreidler, R.N., B.S.N. Director of Health
Amy K. Fagan, M.P A. Assistant Director of Health
Michael Smith Council Liaison
Mark Beauchamp County Commissioner
I. CALL TO ORDER
Dr. Williamson, Chair called the meeting to order at 12 10 pm after a quorum of members attained.
IL APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ABSENCES
Dr. Williamson called for the review and approval of the July 8, 2022 minutes. Paris Ward introduced a motion
to approve the minutes as presented and Dr. David Carlston seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
Excused absence noted for Melissa Plowman.
III. MONKEYPDX (MPX)
Dr. Williamson introduced Brandi Smith, Lead Epidemiologist, to discuss updates on MonkeyPox.
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the Monkeypox virus.
Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses that cause Smallpox.
Monkeypox symptoms are similar to Smallpox symptoms, but milder, rarely fatal and Monkeypox does
involve swollen lymph nodes.
Monkeypox is not related to Chickenpox.
Monkeypox was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of pox-like disease occurred in Colonies of
monkeys kept for research. Despite being named "Monkeypox", the source of the disease remains
unknown. However African rodents and non-human primates (like monkeys) might harbor the virus
and infect people.
The first human case of Monkeypox was recorded in 1970. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, Monkepox
had been reported in people in several Central and Western African countries. Previously, almost all
Monkeypox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to International travel to Countries where
the disease commonly occurs or through imported animals. These cases occurred in Multiple Continents.
SYMPTOMS
Fever
Headache
Muscle Aches and Backache .
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Chills
Respiratory Symptoms (Sore Throat, Nasal Congestion, or Cough)
A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth and on other
parts of the body, like the hands, feet chest, genitals or anus.
The Disease, which can cause a skin rash, appears to be spreading largely via direct contact with the skin or
saliva of an infected person. Symptoms are noticed 3 weeks after exposure, incubation period is 7—14 days but
could go 5 -21 days. Most cases so far have been among men who have sex with men.
People should avoid close, skin-to-skin contact in large crowds where people are wearing minimal clothing, such E
as nightclubs, festivals, saunas and bathhouses. Also, people should avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with •
someone with a new unexplained rash.
As of 9/9/22 21,504 total confirmed MonkeypoxlOrthopoxvirus cases in the United States. Monkeypox has
infected all 50 states and also the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Worldwide there are 56,609 cases.
There are no cases in Antarctica.
First case was in Texas on June 7, 2022. A Dallas resident that traveled to Mexico. As of 9/9/22 1,899 Cases
in Texas. There are 847 cases in our area, but the Dallas/Fort Worth area is included in this total. Harris County
has the next with 785 total cases. There has been 18 deaths worldwide. Most cases in Texas have spread
through close, intimate contact with someone who has Monkeypox.
Age range is 18—49 mostly men, but 51 cases are women. The women most likely have a close risk, includes
having sex, kissing or hugging someone with Monkeypox or sharing cups, utensils, bedding or towels with them.
41,
The Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District reports the first probable case of Monkeypox in Wichita
County. However, the Health District stresses there is no risk to the public at this time. A probable case, as
identified by the Texas Department of State Health Services, is an individual who tested positive for a ortho-pox
virus, and has exhibited symptoms but has not had a confirmatory Monkeypox test.
The first Wichita County case was August 10th. The patient is a 51 year old male Wichita County resident who
developed symptoms and was tested for Monkeypox in Fort Worth,Texas. He was tested one week after noticing
a lesion which appeared 12 days after a sexual contact. No contact after the lesion was found. He was our 4th
person under investigation and we have 7 right now. The patient is no longer symptomatic or infectious. The
Health District is investigating to identify any contacts or exposures that may have occurred.
On August 30th the Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed the first death of a person diagnosed
with Monkeypox in Texas. The patient was 51 year old adult resident of Harris County who was severely
immunocompromised. The case in under investigation to determine what role Monkeypox played in the death.
Monkeypox Vaccine Information
The Federal Government,has allocated Jynneos vaccine to Texas for the prevention of Monkepox. Jynneos is a
two-dose vaccine, with the second dose 28 days after the first. We have given 3 vaccines here at the Health
2
District. Jynneos is 85% effective.
Jynneos vaccine is available at the Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District.
People with a known or possible exposure to the Monkeypox virus remain the highest priority for vaccination.
People who are at an increased risk of Monkeypox&who should consider vaccination:
Are men who have sex with other men.
Have had multiple or anonymous sex partners within 21 days.
Have sex partner who is showing symptoms of Monkeypox, such as a rash or sores.
Have had a diagnosis of HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, or early Syphilis, within the previous 12 months
Are on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis; or
Have a condition that may increase their risk for severe disease if infected with Monkeypox virus.
QUESTION:
Paris asked if it is only spread by sexual contact.
Brandi— no it is transmitted by close contact and sexual contact.
Lou --it is spread by respiratory droplets that come from coughing & sneezing, but this Monkeypox seems to be
spread more by close contact.
Paris— I heard you say Smallpox vaccines were given up to 1970, so if a person was born after 1970 they have
not received the vaccine. Will they start giving the vaccine to persons born after 1970?
Lou —There is a National stockpile of the vaccine for Smallpox, but because it can be weaponized they do not
give it widely and she does not think they will bring it back.
Dr.Williamson—I believe the Jynneos vaccine was invented for Smallpox not Monkeypox. •
Lou—after discussing with Dr. McBroom we will give tl'e vaccine to individuals'who meet the state criteria. ,
Dr. Williamson — Thank you, I don't think it will escape and be as broad of a concern as COVID. Or be an
epidemic as COVID.
Lou—it is an epidemic in Africa.
IV. Ambulance Franchise Renewal
Dr.Williamson introduced the next item on the agenda. ,
Lou said the Franchise is done every 5 years. Susan Morris, that used to be over Environmental left and then
we had COVID and it fell off the radar. We are behind and it should have been done last year. We sent the
packet out to our 2 current Ambulance services, Trans Star and American Medical Response (AMR). They have
until the middle of the month to return the packets back to us and then I will review them and bring them before
the Council for review. Council will see them the first week of October.
We will set up a reminder system so 5 years from now we will remember that we are supposed to redo the
Franchise renewal.
In the Budget that was passed by the City there was 2 projects in it for the Health District. One for remodeling
the front entrance and the other was for an awning for Animal Services. Thank you so much to the Council for
helping and passing this. We have been trying to get both of these for a long time. The entrance will help bring
the Health building up to date and the Awning was needed to help protect visitors and animals from the high
temperatures in the summer. We appreciated both very much.
3
The other thing I would like to let you know is that I have turned in my retirement paperwork and will be retiring
the end of this year. I have been with the Health District for 21 years and Director for 16 years. Amy will be
serving as interim Health Director.
Michael Smith—Lou could you tell us about the new COVID vaccine booster. The new vaccine that covers both
the variants.
Lou - CDC asked the manufactures to come up with a vaccine that will work for both the variants. Pfizer and
Moderna worked together to get the new vaccine that would cover both Omicron and Delta variants.
If you have had no boosters you could get the new vaccine. If you have had your boosters you can get the new
vaccine 2 months after your last booster. It does need to go through the final approval process. We have pulled
the existing booster for 12 and up. The only booster available is the Omicron & Delta booster.
Amy-we should be able to start giving the new booster next week. They have removed the age requirement
and anyone over 50 can receive the new vaccine.
Michael Smith—If you have had COVID recently when can you get the booster.
Lou—you need to wait 90 days after having COVID to get the vaccine.
Dr. Williamson—Can anyone order the vaccine & is there a cost?
Lou -Some are billing Insurance Company's. She does not anticipate the Health District will charge.
Michael—should you wait to get the vaccine if you're getting the flu shot?
Lou — some think you have a better response if you wait further out on the booster. But, she has not heard
anything about waiting.
Amy—we have heard that this year the flu may be bad. We offer the flu shot starting in October.
Paris—are we going to meet on Veterans Day?
Lou—Marsha can send an email out. We may suggest an alternate date.
V. NEXT MEETING DATE
Next meeting will be November 11 or alternate date.
VI. ADJOURN
Dr.Williams adjourned the meeting at 12:40.
rgna re
Print Name-Keith Williamson, MD, Chair, Lauren Jansen, PhD, RN, Vice-Chair, Paris Ward, MA, BS, Secretary
4