The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has identified an additional case of monkeypox in a Maui resident whose case is associated with travel outside of Hawaiʻi. This brings the total number of statewide cases to 12.
Monkeypox is mainly spread through close, intimate contact with body fluids, lesion material, or items used by someone with monkeypox. Monkeypox may be spread through large respiratory droplets. These droplets generally cannot travel more than a few feet, so prolonged contact is required.
Nationwide, the current cases are primarily spreading among social networks of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. In Hawaiʻi, at least some of the cases have been reported among gay or bisexual men. However, anyone who has close contact with someone with monkeypox is at risk of infection, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Vaccination is available statewide. DOH and healthcare providers continue to vaccinate eligible individuals. DOH has distributed nearly 1,000 doses of monkeypox vaccine.
Individuals currently eligible for vaccination include:
- Individuals who have had exposure to individual(s) with confirmed orthopoxvirus/monkeypox virus within the last 14 days
- Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and transgender individuals with high risk intimate contact in venues or areas where monkeypox is known to be spreading in the last 14 days
Those who meet the above mentioned criteria should call DOH at 808-586-4462 for an appointment. The phone line is available Monday-Friday from 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM.
Individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, or new or unexplained rash or sores, should immediately contact their healthcare provider. Testing and treatment are available through healthcare providers.
