The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued a statement about the monkeypox virus.
"[The department] is working closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to monitor reports of monkeypox in the United States and Europe. Currently, no cases have been identified in Chicago or Illinois, and the risk of exposure remains low," according to the press release.
"Monkeypox is usually identified in Central and West Africa and is often spread through contact with animals, but recent clusters involve people who have not traveled to areas where monkeypox is common or had exposure to animals. Human-to-human transmission generally requires prolonged direct contact with lesions, or indirect contact through contaminated items, such as contaminated bedding.
"Anyone can be infected with monkeypox. Some, but not all, cases have been identified among men seeking care in outpatient clinics who self-identify as gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men (MSM). We do not know at this time whether sexual transmission is causing spread in recent cases and clusters. However, close contact with infectious lesions, body fluids, and shared items can occur during sexual activity. Other forms of close contact may also cause infection. CDPH is conducting outreach to clinical providers to provide information and remain vigilant for signs and symptoms related to monkeypox. CDPH is also compiling and disseminating resources, including a dedicated website with information on monkeypox for the public and community organizations, including the MSM community.
"Individuals should avoid close contact (touching sores, kissing, sex) with anyone who has symptoms of monkeypox (characteristic rash or lesions). Those who have compatible symptoms should see a healthcare provider, cover the area of the rash with clothing, wear a mask, and avoid skin-to-skin or close contact with others."
Also, CDPH has established at website: www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/get-the-facts-monkeypox.html .