The Hawaiʻi Department of Health reported two additional statewide monkeypox cases.

The cases were identified in an Oʻahu resident with a history of travel outside Hawaiʻi and a Hawaiʻi Island resident whose case remains under investigation

This brings the total number of cases reported in Hawaiʻi since June 3 to 25,

DOH continues to conduct contact tracing and follow-up with all reported cases.

The JYNNEOS vaccine is currently available statewide to Hawaiʻi residents.  Those who qualify for the vaccine must meet the following criteria:

• Close contact in the last 14 days with a person with known or suspected monkeypox infection;
• Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and transgender individuals who have multiple or anonymous sex partners;
• Persons with severe immune compromise (e.g., advanced or poorly controlled HIV infection, active cancer treatment, high-dose steroids) or certain skin conditions, such as eczema; AND who have a household member or sex partner at high risk for monkeypox.

The risk to most Hawaiʻi residents remains low. Monkeypox is mainly spread through close, intimate contact with body fluids, lesion material, or items used by someone with monkeypox. It may be spread through large respiratory droplets which generally cannot travel more than a few feet, so prolonged contact is required.

The current cases, both nationally and in Hawai‘i, are primarily spreading among social networks of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. However, anyone who has close contact with someone with monkeypox is at risk of infection, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Individuals with monkeypox symptoms, including 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.