Massachusetts Public-health Officials Confirm 42 New Monkeypox Cases

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced 42 additional cases of monkeypox in adult males within the past seven days, bringing the total number of monkeypox cases in the Commonwealth to 157 residents since the state’s first case was announced on May 18. DPH provides public updates on monkeypox in Massachusetts on a weekly basis each Thursday.

The 42 new cases had their diagnoses between July 28 and Aug. 3. DPH is working with local health officials, patients, and healthcare providers to identify individuals who may have been in contact with the patients while they were infectious. Individuals with monkeypox are advised to isolate and avoid contact with others until they are no longer infectious.

The number of healthcare providers and locations offering vaccination across the state has expanded to 14. As of Aug. 3, 5,875 doses of JYNNEOS vaccine have been administered in the Commonwealth.

Due to extremely limited national availability of vaccine, the JYNNEOS vaccine in Massachusetts still remains limited at this time. Vaccination is available to individuals who meet the CDC’s eligibility criteria and who live or work in Massachusetts. Vaccine is prioritized for individuals at greatest risk of exposure to someone with monkeypox. If an individual believes they qualify for a monkeypox vaccine, they should contact their healthcare provider or one of the state’s designated provider locations.