Announcement

**sharon sanders** · May 18, 2022, 08:20 PM

THIS PAGE, MASSACHUSETTS PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS CONFIRM CASE OF MONKEYPOX, ISOFFERED BY
Department of Public Health

PRESS RELEASE

Press Release Massachusetts public health officials confirm case of monkeypox

The confirmed case poses no risk to the general public

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
5/18/2022

Department of Public Health

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today confirmed a single case of monkeypox virus infection in an adult male with recent travel to Canada. Initial testing was completed late Tuesday at the State Public Health Laboratory in Jamaica Plain and confirmatory testing was completed today at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). DPH is working closely with the CDC, relevant local boards of health, and the patient’s health care providers to identify individuals who may have been in contact with the patient while he was infectious. This contact tracing approach is the most appropriate given the nature and transmission of the virus. The case poses no risk to the public, and the individual is hospitalized and in good condition.

Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness that typically begins with flu-like illness and swelling of the lymph nodes and progresses to a rash on the face and body. Most infections last 2-to-4 weeks. In parts of central and west Africa where monkeypox occurs, people can be exposed through bites or scratches from rodents and small mammals, preparing wild game, or having contact with an infected animal or possibly animal products. The virus does not spread easily between people; transmission can occur through contact with body fluids, monkeypox sores, items that have been contaminated with fluids or sores (clothing, bedding, etc.), or through respiratory droplets following prolonged face-to-face contact.

No monkeypox cases have previously been identified in the United States in 2022; Texas and Maryland each reported a case in 2021 in people with recent travel to Nigeria. Since early May 2022, the United Kingdom has identified 9 cases of monkeypox; the first case had recently traveled to Nigeria. None of the other cases have reported recent travel. UK health officials report that the most recent cases in the UK are in men who have sex with men.

Based on findings of the Massachusetts case and the recent cases in the UK, clinicians should consider a diagnosis of monkeypox in people who present with an otherwise unexplained rash and 1) traveled, in the last 30 days, to a country that has recently had confirmed or suspected cases of monkeypox 2) report contact with a person or people with confirmed or suspected monkeypox, or 3) is a man who reports sexual contact with other men. This clinical guidance is consistent with recommendations from UK health officials and US federal health officials, based on identified cases.

Suspected cases may present with early flu-like symptoms and progress to lesions that may begin on one site on the body and spread to other parts. Illness could be clinically confused with a sexually transmitted infection like syphilis or herpes, or with varicella zoster virus. The CDC plans to issue public informationsoon on poxvirus infections which, when available, will be found here.

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

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https://www.mass.gov/news/massachuse...e-of-monkeypox

**Pathfinder** · May 19, 2022, 09:02 AM

CDC and Health Partners Responding to Monkeypox Case in the U.S.

Case identified after monkeypox clusters in several other countries

Media Statement
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Contact: Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are collaborating with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to investigate a case of monkeypox in a Massachusetts resident who had recently traveled to Canada by private transportation. Testing in Massachusetts found orthopox virus infection Tuesday night, and CDC labs confirmed as monkeypox this afternoon.

CDC is also tracking multiple clusters of monkeypox that have been reported within the past two weeks in several countries that don’t normally report monkeypox, including Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. It’s not clear how people in those clusters were exposed to monkeypox but cases include individuals who self-identify as men who have sex with men. CDC is urging healthcare providers in the U.S. to be alert for patients who have rash illnesses consistent with monkeypox, regardless of whether they have travel or specific risk factors for monkeypox.

Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, can spread monkeypox through contact with body fluids, monkeypox sores, or shared items (such as clothing and bedding) that have been contaminated with fluids or sores of a person with monkeypox. Monkeypox virus can also spread between people through respiratory droplets typically in a close setting, such as the same household or a healthcare setting. Common household disinfectants can kill the monkeypox virus.

“Many of these global reports of monkeypox cases are occurring within sexual networks. However, healthcare providers should be alert to any rash that has features typical of monkeypox. We’re asking the public to contact their healthcare provider if they have a new rash and are concerned about monkeypox,” said Inger Damon, MD, PhD, a poxvirus expert with more than 20 years’ experience and Director of CDC’s Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, where the agency’s poxvirus research is based.

What people should do:

People who may have symptoms of monkeypox, particularly men who report sex with other men, and those who have close contact with them, should be aware of any unusual rashes or lesions and contact their healthcare provider for a risk assessment.

What healthcare providers should do:

If healthcare providers identify patients with a rash that looks like monkeypox, consider monkeypox, regardless of whether the patient has a travel history to central or west African countries.
Do not limit concerns to men who report having sex with other men. Those who have any sort of close personal contact with people with monkeypox could potentially also be at risk for the disease.
Some patients have had genital lesions and the rash may be hard to distinguish from syphilis, herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, chancroid, varicella zoster, and other more common infections.
Isolate any patients suspected of having monkeypox in a negative pressure room, and ensure staff understand the importance of wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and that they wear it each time they are near suspected cases.
Consult the state health department or CDC’s monkeypox call center through the CDC Emergency Operations Center (770-488-7100) as soon as monkeypox is suspected.

Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness that typically begins with flu-like illness and swelling of the lymph nodes and progresses to a widespread rash on the face and body. Monkeypox reemerged in Nigeria in 2017 after more than 40 years with no reported cases. Since then, there have been more than 450 reported cases in Nigeria and at least eight known exported cases internationally.

###
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICESexternal icon

CDC works 24/7 protecting America’s health, safety and security. Whether disease start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, CDC responds to America’s most pressing health threats. CDC is headquartered in Atlanta and has experts located throughout the United States and the world.

Page last reviewed: May 18, 2022
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0518-monkeypox-case.html

**Shiloh** · May 24, 2022, 06:05 AM

Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/...00-people-cdc/

Massachusetts Monkeypox patient had contact with 200 people, CDC says
By CBSBoston.com Staff
Updated on: May 24, 2022 / 6:25 AM / CBS Boston

BOSTON -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday that they are tracking 200 contacts connected to the monkeypox patient in Boston.

Most of those close contacts are health care workers who encountered the man, who is a patient at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is still the only confirmed case of monkeypox in the United States, though four others are suspected.

The Massachusetts man had recently traveled to Canada and has been getting treatment since May 12.

The CDC is considering releasing a national stockpile of the smallpox vaccine to stop the outbreak...

**sharon sanders** · May 24, 2022, 08:29 AM

bump this

**Shiloh** · June 12, 2022, 05:36 PM

Source: https://www.golocalprov.com/news/mas...ses-of-monkeyp

Massachusetts Public Health Officials Confirm 2 Additional Cases of Monkeypox
Sunday, June 12, 2022
GoLocalProv News Team

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced two cases of monkeypox in two adult men who had close contact with one another. Initial testing was completed late Saturday at the State Public Health Laboratory in Jamaica Plain; confirmatory testing will be done at the CDC).

Neither case reports a known link to the first case identified in Massachusetts. The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) will lead the case investigations and work with DPH, the patients, and their healthcare providers to identify individuals who may have been in contact with the patients while they were infectious. The cases are currently isolating to prevent their spread to others...

**Shiloh** · June 15, 2022, 03:26 PM

Source: https://www.bostonherald.com/2022/06...dance-parties/

Massachusetts reports another monkeypox case; ‘Avoid large gatherings like raves and dance parties’
The 4th confirmed monkeypox case in the state

By Rick Sobey | rick.sobey@bostonherald.com | Boston Herald
PUBLISHED: June 14, 2022 at 6:59 p.m. | UPDATED: June 14, 2022 at 7:41 p.m.

The Bay State has confirmed yet another monkeypox case, as public health officials are telling people to consider avoiding large close-contact gatherings like raves and dance parties amid the global outbreak.

Massachusetts last month was the first state to report a rare monkeypox case during this year’s outbreak. After two more infections were reported in the state over the weekend, the state Department of Public Health on Tuesday announced another monkeypox case in a man.

Initial testing was completed late Monday at the State Public Health Laboratory in Jamaica Plain. Confirmatory testing will be done at the CDC.

DPH said it’s working with local health officials, the patient, and healthcare providers to identify people who may have been in contact with the patient while he was infectious. The man is currently isolating to prevent spreading monkeypox to others...

**Shiloh** · June 15, 2022, 05:23 PM

Source: https://www.wcvb.com/article/massach...2022/40302849#

Two additional Massachusetts monkeypox cases confirmed, state health officials say
WCVB Updated: 5:30 PM EDT Jun 15, 2022

BOSTON —

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced two additional cases of monkeypox in adult males on Wednesday, bringing the total number of monkeypox cases in the state to six since May.

The DPH said initial testing was completed on Tuesday at the State Public Health Laboratory in Jamaica Plain, and state health authorities confirmed testing will be done at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The DPH said there is no known connection between these two new cases, but did not specify if there were any connections between the previous cases...

**Shiloh** · June 16, 2022, 01:45 PM

Source: https://www.boston25news.com/news/lo...MY42DALP36VJQ/

Mass. health officials announce new case of monkeypox
By Frank O'Laughlin, Boston 25 News Staff
June 16, 2022 at 2:27 pm EDT

BOSTON — Massachusetts health officials on Thursday announced one new case of monkeypox.

This new case is a man with recent international travel, health officials noted, bringing the total number of monkeypox cases in the Commonwealth to seven since May.

Health officials are in the process of working to identify people who may have been in contact with the man while he was infectious. He is currently isolating to prevent spread to others.

The first case of monkeypox in the Bay State was confirmed on May 18. There have been 84 total cases of the virus reported in United States residents, according to the CDC.

There have been no reported deaths linked to the virus and most people recover within two to four weeks...

**Shiloh** · June 30, 2022, 04:31 PM

Source: https://www.wwlp.com/news/massachuse...massachusetts/

Eight new Monkeypox cases confirmed in Massachusetts
by: Waleed Azad
Posted: Jun 30, 2022 / 04:50 PM EDT
Updated: Jun 30, 2022 / 04:50 PM EDT

BOSTON (WWLP) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced Thursday that eight more cases of monkeypox were confirmed in men within the past week.

According to a news release sent to 22News by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), the eight cases announced Thursday had their diagnoses between June 23 and June 29 after initial testing was completed by the State Public Health Laboratory in Jamaica Plain.

The Massachusetts DPH is working with local health officials, the patients, and healthcare providers to identify individuals who may have been in contact with the patients while they were infectious. All eight individuals are currently isolated to prevent the spread to others...

**Shiloh** · July 2, 2022, 06:13 AM

Source: https://www.capeandislands.org/local...ot-on-cape-cod

Monkeypox is in Massachusetts, but majority of cases are not on Cape Cod
CAI | By Jennette Barnes
Published July 1, 2022 at 10:27 AM EDT

The state Department of Public Health announced eight new monkeypox cases in its weekly update on the virus on Thursday. That makes 21 since the first Massachusetts case was reported in May. But there’s some good news here for Cape Cod.

People in Provincetown are thinking back to last summer’s COVID-19 outbreak and asking on social media about the monkeypox case count.

The town held a forum on prevention Tuesday.

Now State Epidemiologist Catherine Brown says Cape Cod does not have a cluster of infection.

"We're not sharing a ton of details. What I can tell you is that the overwhelming majority of cases are not on Cape Cod," Brown said.

Many of the recent cases are believed to stem from sexual contact, but that’s not the only way to get it...

**Mary Wilson** · July 2, 2022, 10:10 AM

Provincetown recruiting hospitality workers to educate public about monkeypox

JULY 2, 2022 / 10:52 AM

BY CBSBOSTON.COM STAFF

PROVINCETOWN -- As cases of monkeypox rise, a tourist destination in Massachusetts is taking steps to prevent an outbreak.

Provincetown has been recruiting employees at restaurants, spas, and inns to help educate residents and visitors about the virus.

Local leaders said personal conversations are more effective in telling people how to protect themselves and the community. ...

Provincetown recruiting hospitality workers to educate public about monkeypox

https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/provincetown-hospitality-workers-educate-public-monkeypox/

As cases of monkeypox rise, a tourist destination in Massachusetts is taking steps to prevent an outbreak.

**Shiloh** · July 7, 2022, 06:32 PM

Source: https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local...-mass/2766483/

10 New Monkeypox Cases Confirmed in Mass.
In total, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is aware of 31 monkeypox cases this year
By Staff Reports • Published 2 hours ago • Updated 31 mins ago

Another 10 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in Massachusetts.

Health officials said Thursday that the number of cases in the Bay State had increased to 31, an increase of nearly 50% since last week. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health provides monkeypox updates on Thursdays.

The monkeypox vaccine is available at four clinics across Massachusetts, but eligibility requirements limit who can get one at this time.

In total, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 605 monkeypox cases in U.S. residents this year. There have been no deaths from the illness in the U.S. or internationally as a result of the current outbreak...

**sharon sanders** · July 8, 2022, 07:52 AM

bump this

**Shiloh** · July 14, 2022, 03:21 PM

Source: https://www.mass.gov/news/massachuse...onkeypox-cases

Massachusetts public health officials confirm 18 new monkeypox cases

The number of health care providers and locations administering the JYNNEOS vaccine increases due to additional federal allocation
For immediate release:
7/14/2022 Department of Public Health

Boston — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced 18 additional cases of monkeypox in adult males within the past seven days, bringing the total number of monkeypox cases in the Commonwealth to 49 residents since the state’s first case was announced May 18. DPH provides public updates on monkeypox on a weekly basis each Thursday.

The 18 cases announced today had their diagnoses between July 7 and July 13 after testing was completed by the State Public Health Laboratory in Jamaica Plain. DPH is working with local health officials, the patients, and healthcare providers to identify individuals who may have been in contact with the patients while they were infectious. Individuals with monkeypox are advised to isolate and avoid contact with others until they are no longer infectious...

Announcement

Massachusetts: 2022 Monkeypox

Massachusetts: 2022 Monkeypox

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