Per Montgomery County Public Schools:
Dear MCPS Community,
Yesterday, the President and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) declared a Public Health Emergency due to ongoing outbreaks of human monkeypox (“MPX” or “MPV”) across the United States, including Maryland. We are very aware of the concerns in the MCPS community and plan to provide more information updates as we approach the new school year. At this time, MCPS and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are communicating on a near-daily basis to monitor the evolving public health situation, and to collaborate efforts to ensure the MCPS community is informed and prepared.
The Maryland Department of Health issued a statement on August 2, which includes details about case counts, testing and vaccination strategy, and contact tracing efforts. As of that date, there were 129 confirmed cases of MPX in the state of Maryland. Information about the Montgomery County public health response is available on the DHHS website, as are instructions on pre-registration for vaccination for eligible individuals. County residents and medical providers can contact the Montgomery County Communicable Disease Control team at 240-777-1755 with questions about county services.
Below are links to more information about MPX, including how it spreads, symptoms, prevention and treatment. In contrast to the early days of COVID-19, we know more about MPX, how it spreads and affects humans, and about the available vaccines and treatments. Individuals at a higher risk of being exposed to MPX should be vaccinated, take additional precautions to protect themselves, and seek a medical provider’s advice if they are concerned for symptoms of MPX.
We encourage all MCPS community members to learn more about MPX. At this time the risk of transmission in the general public is low, but the time is right to learn more about MPX, how to prevent transmission and what to do if you believe you have been exposed.
Sincerely,
Patricia Kapunan, MD
MCPS Medical Officer
RESOURCES
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Monkeypox:
https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html
Maryland Department of Health: “Human Monkeypox”
https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/OIDEOR/Pages/monkeypox.aspx#mokeypoxResource
Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services: “Monkeypox (MPX)”
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS/RightNav/Monkeypox.html
Rise and Shine: A child health resource for parents and family members from Children’s National Hospital: “Everything you need to know about monkeypox”
https://riseandshine.childrensnational.org/everything-you-need-to-know-about-monkeypox/
HealthyChildren.org: The Parenting Website of the American Academy of Pediatrics: ”What is monkeypox?”
https://www.healthychildren.org/english/health-issues/vaccine-preventable-diseases/pages/what-is-monkeypox.aspx
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17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.
Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.
Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)
Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
www.dayofthebook.com
Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival
Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director
301-949-9416 (text preferred)
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
