Monkeypox in Massachusetts: 8 new cases announced by state officials, bringing total to 21

There were eight new cases of monkeypox diagnosed in Massachusetts between June 23 and June 29, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) said Thursday.

The first case of monkeypox in Massachusetts this year was announced on May 18. Since then, DPH said, there have been 21 total cases in the commonwealth.

“DPH is working with local health officials, the patients and health care providers to identify individuals who may have been in contact with the patients while they were infectious,” DPH said. “All eight individuals are currently isolating to prevent spread to others.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there have been 351 cases of US residents being diagnosed with the monkeypox virus this year.

The CDC said there have been no deaths in the US or globally related to the outbreak and that patients generally recover in 2 to 4 weeks. The CDC said that recent cases are not associated with international travel.

Monkeypox, health officials said, can spread through direct contact with rash lesions, sexual contact while a person is infected or sharing a bed, towels or clothing with someone.

A rash could be the first symptom, officials said. But other symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, headache, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes.

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