Washington has new hotline for monkeypox information

Washington's Department of Health has set up a new hotline to answer your questions about the monkeypox virus, aka MPV.

The number is 1-833-829-HELP.

The hotline will be operational from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays, and between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (outside of state holidays).

“As we navigate the MPV outbreak in Washington state, we cannot underestimate the need for our community members to address their questions and concerns,” said Dr. Umair A. Shah, MD, Washington's secretary of health. “We are pleased to partner with 211 to meet this crucial need.”

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Operators will answer any questions about risk factors, vaccine information, testing, and treatment. Just be aware that they won't be able to schedule any appointments for you.

Language assistance will be available in 240 languages.

Approximately 40,000 people in King County are deemed at high risk, but so so far, only about 5,000 of them have been vaccinated against MPV.

There have been 265 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Washington state, the majority of which have been found in King County (225).

Officials say another 4,400 vaccine doses are being distributed this week.