Monkeypox spread to the U.S. in May 2022. Since then, there have been 9,492 confirmed cases. The highest rates are in New York, California, and Florida.
As of August 5, 2022, the CDC reported that 99% of cases have been in men; 94% of them are men who have sex with men and have had “recent sexual or close intimate contact.” The CDC also noted that “racial and ethnic groups appear to be disproportionately affected.”
Prevention includes vaccination against the virus that causes it. It is recommended for people with exposure or who are at high risk of exposure to the virus. The JYNNEDS vaccine has recently been approved for an injection into the middle layer of the skin (intradermal). Two doses are required 4 weeks apart. It is now more readily available.
The CDC reports that the monkeypox virus is found in large quantities in the rash when crusted or filled with fluid; it is also found in infected body fluids such as respiratory secretions.
Although monkeypox is now mainly spread person to person, it can be spread from animals to humans. This only happens with direct contact with an infected animal. The only cases I am aware of have involved small mammals brought to the U.S. from parts of Africa where the disease has existed for a long time (endemic) or in small mammals who had contact with the African animals.
If you believe you are at risk for getting monkeypox, you may want to speak with your doctor or contact your local Health Department to discuss the option of getting vaccinated.
