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Mass. health officials announce new case of monkeypox

By Frank O'Laughlin, Boston 25 News Staff

Renaming monkeypox FILE PHOTO: This digitally-colorized electron microscopic (EM) image depicted a monkeypox virion, obtained from a clinical sample associated with the 2003 prairie dog outbreak. It was a thin section image from of a human skin sample. On the left were mature, oval-shaped virus particles, and on the right were the crescents, and spherical particles of immature virions. The WHO is considering renaming the disease. (Cynthia S. Goldsmith, Russell Regnery/cdc.gov)

By Frank O'Laughlin, Boston 25 News Staff

BOSTON — Massachusetts health officials on Thursday announced one new case of monkeypox.

This new case is a man with recent international travel, health officials noted, bringing the total number of monkeypox cases in the Commonwealth to seven since May.

Health officials are in the process of working to identify people who may have been in contact with the man while he was infectious. He is currently isolating to prevent spread to others.

The first case of monkeypox in the Bay State was confirmed on May 18. There have been 84 total cases of the virus reported in United States residents, according to the CDC.

There have been no reported deaths linked to the virus and most people recover within two to four weeks.

Monkeypox usually begins with fever-like symptoms, according to the CDC. Lymph node swelling and a facial rash are also common symptoms.

According to health officials, monkeypox can spread through:

  • Direct skin-skin contact with rash lesions. Sexual/intimate contact, including kissing while a person is infected.
  • Living in a house and sharing a bed with someone. Sharing towels or unwashed clothing.
  • Respiratory secretions through face-to-face interactions (the type that mainly happen when living with someone or caring for someone who has monkeypox).

The Massachusetts Department of Public health also announced plans to provide weekly updates on the virus.

To learn more about monkeypox, click here.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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