Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a rare disease that can make you sick, including a rash, which may look like pimples or blisters, often with an earlier flu-like illness. Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact. Anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox is at risk, but early data suggest that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men make up a high number of cases.

Health care providers are urged to be alert for patients who have rash illnesses consistent with monkeypox, regardless of whether they have travel or risk factors for monkeypox and regardless of gender or sexual orientation. DPH is working with 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.