State reports 2 new monkeypox cases: Kauai Now

Two new cases of monkeypox have been reported in Hawaii, bringing the total number of cases reported on the islands so far this year to nine.

A total of 53 cases have been reported in Hawaii since June 2022.

The Hawaii Department of Health reports that one of the new cases was linked to an out-of-state exposure. The other is not related to out-of-state exposure or other previously identified cases, suggesting the transmission was local.

The risk of infection remains low for most Hawaii residents.

Monkeypox is primarily transmitted through close, intimate contact with bodily fluids, lesion material, or objects used by someone with the virus.

The infection can be spread by large respiratory droplets that generally cannot travel more than a few feet, requiring prolonged contact.

Cases of Class II monkeypox are spreading nationwide and in Hawaii, primarily in social networks of gays, bisexuals and other men who have sex with men.

However, anyone who has close contact with a person who has monkeypox is at risk of infection, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

People at higher risk of infection should consider vaccination with two doses of the nationally available JYNNEOS vaccine.

For complete protection, two doses of JYNNEOS 4 weeks apart are required.

Health care providers in each of the state’s four counties continue to vaccinate high-risk individuals. CVS and Walgreens are also now offering the vaccine.

You can find vaccine providers here.

Kauaʻi residents can contact Malama Pono Health Services in Līhuʻe at 808-246-9577 to inquire about vaccination clinics.

Always ask new partners about their health. If you or your partner feel sick or have new or unexplained rashes or sores, avoid close contact with others until you are seen by a doctor.

Do not share bedding, clothing, or toothbrushes with anyone outside your household. If you attend events with a lot of direct skin-to-skin contact, minimizing physical contact and partners can reduce the risk.

Symptoms of monkeypox include flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, or new or unexplained rashes or sores.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact their doctor immediately.

Tests and treatments are possible.

People at higher risk of monkeypox who should consider vaccination include:

• Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender people who have sex with men.
• People who have multiple or casual sex partners (e.g. through dating apps) or who expect to have monkeypox in the future.
• People who have a sex partner in one of the categories described above.
• Anyone who has had close contact with a person known or suspected to be infected with monkeypox in the last 14 days.
• Travelers to a country with a Class I monkeypox outbreak.
• Anyone in any of these categories who has only received one dose of MPOX vaccine.

Additional information and updates on monkeypox can be found online at the Hawaii Department of Health website.