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, including the United States, according to a news release.
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 and regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
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 individuals were exposed to monkeypox, but cases include people who self-identify as men who have sex with men.
What You Should Do:
People who may have symptoms of monkeypox should contact their healthcare provider. This includes anyone who:
- traveled to central or west African countries, parts of Europe where monkeypox cases have been reported, or other areas with confirmed cases of monkeypox during the month before their symptoms began,
- reports contact with a person with confirmed or suspected monkeypox, or
- is a man who regularly has close or intimate contact with other men, including men who meet partners through an online website, digital application (“app”), or at a bar or party.
Monkeypox/Orthopoxvirus Cases in the U.S.:
*Data as of May 26, 5 pm
Total monkeypox/orthopoxvirus cases: 10
State CasesMonkeypox/Orthopoxvirus Cases in the U.S.
CA 1
CO 1
FL 2
MA 1
NY 1
UT 2
VA 1
WA 1
Recommendations for Clinicians
If clinicians identify patients with a rash that could be consistent with monkeypox, especially those with a recent travel history to central or west African countries, parts of Europe where monkeypox has been reported, or other areas reporting monkeypox cases, monkeypox should be considered as a possible diagnosis.
