Over 200 people are being monitored for monkeypox infections in Massachusetts, according to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta.
The CDC confirmed more than 200 people are being tracked in Massachusetts after coming in physical contact with the first confirmed case in the U.S.
The news comes days after health experts said monkeypox will not become a pandemic like Covid-19.
Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes (in neck, armpits and groin areas. Symptoms are followed by blisters that pop and crust over.
Blisters in the groin area are usually the first sign of monkeypox infections.
The CDC issued a level-2 travel alert on Monday, May 23, advising people to “practice enhanced precautions” — and warning that it might be fatal in 1% to 11% of people who become infected.
Health experts say the new strain of monkeypox virus may be transmitted sexually.
“Some cases were reported among men who have sex with men,” the CDC said after health officials in Europe linked 89 monkeypox cases to sexual activity at festivals in Europe.
The CDC emphasized the need to “avoid close contact with sick people, including those with skin lesions or genital lesions” — as well as avoiding “contact with dead or live wild animals.”
