DOH reports three additional monkeypox cases
The state Department of Health reported three additional monkeypox cases in the state — all on Oahu.
The cases were all along residents, the department reported Thursday.
Since June 3, there have been three confirmed cases of monkeypox on Hawaii Island. They are among 28 cases statewide, including three nonresidents. Health officials said the department continues to conduct contact tracing and follow-up with all reported cases.
As of Friday, there were 21,894 cases of monkeypox nationwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, no deaths attributed to monkeypox have been recorded in the U.S.
“As monkeypox cases continue to rise across the country and in Hawaii, DOH will continue to provide updated information to the public,” said Deputy State Epidemiologist Dr. Nathan Tan. “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 a two-dose series administered 28 days apart. The department said it continues to order Hawaii’s full allocation from the federal government.
More than 2,283 doses had been administered as of Friday.
The Jynneos vaccine is available to eligible residents 18 and older who are in the following groups:
• People who have had close contact in the last 14 days with a person with known or suspected monkeypox infection;
• Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, and transgender individuals who have multiple or anonymous sex partners;
• Anyone with severe immune compromise (advanced or poorly controlled HIV infection, active cancer treatment, high-dose steroids) or certain skin conditions, such as eczema, and who have a household member or sex partner at high risk for monkeypox.
Monkeypox is mainly spread through close, intimate contact with body fluids, lesion material or items used by someone with monkeypox. It can also be spread through large respiratory droplets, which cannot travel more than a few feet, so prolonged contact is required.
Symptoms commonly begin within one to three days of exposure and include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, rashes that initially look like pimples or blisters that are painful or itchy. Symptoms typically last between two to four weeks with a case fatality ratio around 3% to 6%.
Individuals with monkeypox symptoms, including flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, or new or unexplained rash or sores, should immediately contact their health care provider. Testing and treatment are available through health care providers.
Appointments for vaccination on Hawaii Island can be made by contacting the state Department of Health at (808) 586-4462.
