Monkeypox In Worcester: Officials Urge Caution Amid Outbreak

WORCESTER, MA — There's a worldwide outbreak of monkeypox going on, and Worcester officials are urging local residents to take precautions to avoid catching the virus.

Massachusetts has documented 44 monkeypox cases — and was the first state in the U.S. on May 18 to detect a case — but none have been found in Worcester, according to city officials. Just under 1,000 cases have popped up around the country since that first case in May.

Monkeypox is less contagious and transmissible than COVID-19 because it isn't airborne at long distances like coronavirus. But monkeypox does travel from person to person through more direct contact.

One of the hallmarks of monkeypox is a rash that may resemble pimples or blisters. The fluid in those lesions can spread the virus, which means monkeypox spreads easily through intimate contact. The virus can also spread through kissing and touching contaminated surfaces, according to health officials.

"People with monkeypox in the current outbreak generally report having close, sustained physical contact with other people who have monkeypox," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said. "While many of those affected in the current global outbreaks are gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox can get the illness."

Other symptoms include fever, headache, exhaustion and swollen lymph nodes.

There is a monkeypox vaccine, but not a large supply. As of this week, there are only a few spots in Massachusetts where you can get it. Contact these health resources if you have questions about getting a monkeypox vaccine.

• Fenway Health — (617) 927-6060, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Mass General Hospital Sexual Health Clinic — (617) 726-2748, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Boston Medical Center Infectious Disease Clinic — (617) 414-4290, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Outer Cape Cod Health Services — (508) 905-2888, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.