The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) stated that more than 100 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in Chicago since the first probable case of the rare disease was discovered locally in early June, WTTW reported.
CDPH Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said the spread appears to be through "tight-knit social networks," but emphasized that anyone can spread the virus, even though the majority of cases so far seem to involve men who have sex with other men.
Person-to-person transmission is possible through close physical contact with monkeypox sores, items that have been contaminated with fluids or sores or through respiratory droplets following prolonged face-to-face contact, according to officials.
Chicagoans can get vaccinated against monkeypox if they've been exposed to someone with monkeypox. At this time, officials are not recommending vaccination for the general public, including men who have sex with men without other risk factors.
City officials have received 5,409 vaccines so far and expect to receive an additional 7,493 in the coming weeks.
