Monkeypox is a rare disease, related to smallpox, that can make you sick. Symptoms include a rash, which may look like pimples or blisters, often with an earlier flu-like illness. Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, and respiratory secretions. Children, adolescents and adults who have been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox are at risk, but early data suggest that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men make up a high number of cases.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) urges health care providers and all residents of the Commonwealth to be aware of signs/symptoms, regardless of whether they have traveled or have behavioral patterns that put them at increased risk for monkeypox and regardless of gender or sexual orientation. The Town of Weston Board of Health is working with DPH officials to identify people who may have been in contact with individuals who have tested positive for monkeypox, so we can monitor their health. Vaccination is available for persons with known exposure or increased risk for developing the virus. Learn more here. Call your public health nurse at 781-786-5033 or your doctor with questions.