Three new cases of monkeypox have been reported by the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH).
The three newly reported cases, all Oahu residents, bring the total number of cases reported in Hawaii to 28 since June 3; a recent news release from Gov. David Ige’s office said.
The current cases, both nationally and in Hawaii, are primarily spreading among social networks of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. But anyone who has close contact with someone with monkeypox is at risk of infection, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
“As monkeypox cases continue to rise across the country and in Hawaii, DOH will continue to provide updated information to the public,” Dr. Nathan Tan, deputy State epidemiologist, said in the release. “It’s critically important to us that we continue to make vaccination available to communities disproportionately impacted by this outbreak—and the data released today will help all of us ensure that vaccine is being distributed equitably.”
The JYNNEOS vaccine is available statewide to Hawaii residents who: have had close contact in the last 14 days with a person with known or suspected monkeypox infection; are gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men; and transgender individuals who have multiple or casual sex partners; the release said.
Monkeypox is spread mainly through close, intimate contact with body fluids, lesion material or items used by someone with monkeypox, the release said. It may also be spread through large respiratory droplets. Such droplets generally cannot travel more than a few feet, so prolonged contact is required.
Monkeypox symptoms can include flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, or a new or unexplained rash or sores. Anyone experiencing those symptoms should immediately contact their health care provider.
A total of 2,283 doses of JYNNEOS have been administered in Hawaii, the release said. The vaccine is a two-dose series administered 28 days apart.
Additionally, DOH is releasing additional data on JYNNEOS vaccine administration in the state, with data slated to be updated on Wednesdays at health.hawaii.gov/docd/hawaii-monkeypox-data.