Two more cases of monkeypox confirmed in Massachusetts

BOSTON — Two more cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in Massachusetts.

The state Department of Public Health said the cases were found in two men who had close contact with each other. Testing was done Saturday at the State Public Health Laboratory in Jamaica Plain.

Health officials are working to identify people who may have been in contact with the men while they were infectious. Both patients are currently isolating.

There have been 49 cases of monkeypox in the United States this year, according to the CDC. The first case was identified in Massachusetts on May 18.

“Although monkeypox infections remain rare, and none of the close contacts from Massachusetts’ first case developed monkeypox during their monitoring period, the CDC is reporting that cases continue to rise across the United States,” said DPH State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown. “It is very important to be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox and to be vigilant. Individuals with concerning rashes should contact their healthcare provider.”

The DPH said many of the early cases were associated with international travel; however, they warn that recent cases have resulted from sexual contact between men.

While the virus does not spread easily between people, they can infect others through close contact once they develop symptoms.

Transmission happens through direct contact with bodily fluids and monkeypox sores, by touching items that have been contaminated with fluids or sores or through respiratory droplets following prolonged face-to-face contact.

Early symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, headache, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, but rash may be the first symptom.

For more information about this virus, visit https://www.mass.gov/monkeypox and https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox.

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