Chicago Seeing Resurgence Of Monkeypox Cases Since Mid-April

CHICAGO — A Chicago medical center is encouraging residents to get a monkeypox vaccine after officials there said they have seen a resurgence of cases in Chicago since mid-April, as seven new cases have been diagnosed.

Howard Brown Health announced on Friday that the seven new cases of monkeypox have all been diagnosed since April 17. Results from more tests are still pending, the medical center said in a news release.

Prior to April 17, the Chicago Health Department had only reported one new monkeypox case, which was diagnosed at Howard Brown Health. The recent outbreak is the highest number of monkeypox cases in the Chicago area since last November, and is the highest number of cases in any region in the United States this year.

Officials specifically encouraged “at-risk” members of the community to get vaccinated against monkeypox.

“The more people who get vaccinated, the better protected the LGBTQ+ community will be from another outbreak of Monkeypox this year,” Dr. Patrick Gibbons, chief medical director at Howard Brown Health, said.

Local health officials said that monkeypox cases often begin with flu-like symptoms and continue with rashes on the face and body. Those affected by monkeypox may also experience swelling of the lymph nodes.

The Chicago Health Department warns that person-to-person transmission is possible through "close physical contact with monkeypox sores, or items that have been contaminated with fluids or sores — including clothing or bedding — or through respiratory droplets following prolonged face-to-face contact.

Anyone experiencing any symptoms indicative of monkeypox, such as new bumps, blisters, or rash in the face, trunk, hands or back, is asked to contact Howard Brown Health at (773) 388-1600 to arrange prompt testing.