Updated: 9/7/2022

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory on May 20, 2022 regarding a confirmed case of monkeypox virus infection in Massachusetts. Case counts for Hawaii and the rest of the U.S. are posted here. The State of Hawaii Department of Health shares news releases, including about monkeypox, at the DOH website and by Twitter.

Overview of Monkeypox

Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are tracking multiple cases of monkeypox that have been reported in several countries that don’t normally report monkeypox (view global map), including the United States. For travelers, see: Travel Health Notice for Monkeypox in Multiple Countries.

CDC is urging healthcare providers in the U.S. to be alert for patients who have rash illnesses consistent with monkeypox. CDC is working with state and local health officials to identify people who may have been in contact with individuals who have tested positive for monkeypox, so they can monitor their health.

It’s not clear how the people were exposed to monkeypox, but early data suggest that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men make up a high number of cases. However, anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox is at risk.

How is it spread?
Monkeypox virus can spread when a person comes into contact with the virus from an infected animal, infected person, or materials contaminated with the virus.

What are the signs and symptoms?
The illness begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and/or exhaustion. Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, a rash develops (often beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body, such as the hands, feet, chest, and/or genitals). Lesions will progress through different stages before scabbing over and falling off.

How can I prevent a monkeypox infection?
Avoid skin-to-skin and prolonged close contact (touching sores, kissing, sex, etc.) with anyone who has an unusual rash or monkeypox symptoms.

Resources for Sexually-Active Individuals

• Learn monkeypox facts for people who are sexually active (CDC)
• Learn about social gatherings, safer sex, and monkeypox (CDC)
• Fact Check – Monkeypox can be spread by anyone in close contact and is not a “gay disease” – contrary to posts online (Reuters)

For more resources and updates in Hawaiʻi, please go to: https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/monkeypox/.