Health & Fitness
Monkeypox Cases In Worcester Reach 7: Health Officials
The number of monkeypox cases in Worcester has tripled over the past two weeks, and officials are debuting a new virus resource.
WORCESTER, MA — The number of monkeypox cases in Worcester has more than tripled in less than two weeks, health officials reported Monday, and the city has launched a new resource to keep residents informed about the virus.
As of Monday, seven monkeypox cases had been confirmed in Worcester. That's up from the two cases Worcester Commissioner of Health & Human Services Dr. Matilde Castiel confirmed on Aug. 4.
The monkeypox outbreak came to the U.S. in May when a Massachusetts residents tested positive. Since May 19, 202 state residents and 11,177 U.S. residents have tested positive.
Health officials initially focused their monkeypox prevention efforts on men who have sex with men, but have shifted to a wider set of the population due to the way the virus spreads. Monkeypox can travel through the air — although much less well than viruses like COVID-19 — and can be picked up by touching infected surfaces, and touch infected monkeypox sores. That means the virus could pose a risk to people who are on sports teams or live in close quarters, like college dorms.
"A person with monkeypox can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
There is a monkeypox vaccine, but supplies are scarce. People at high risk of contracting the virus can contact AIDS Project Worcester at (508) 755-3773 x113 to find out more about getting vaccinated.
Worcester has also put together an information page about monkeypox for local residents.
