Chicago Sees Monkeypox Rise 2023

Friday’s Howard Brown Health announcement warned of a recent monkeypox resurgence in Chicago.

Since April 17, seven more instances have been recorded. Officials said Chicago’s new case rate last week was the highest in the U.S. this year.

Howard Brown Health, which provides affirming health care, advises sexually active community members to get the COVID-19 vaccination in a press release.

Dr. Patrick Gibbons, Chief Medical Director, advised unvaccinated persons attending International Mr. Leather at the end of May to get their first mpox shot as soon as feasible. “The LGBTQ+ community will be better protected from another Monkeypox outbreak this year if more people get vaccinated.”

Howard Brown’s nine medical clinics can vaccine monkeypox-risked people.

Monkeypox usually starts with flu-like symptoms and lymph node enlargement, then a face and body rash.

“Close physical contact with monkeypox sores, items that have been contaminated with fluids or sores (clothing, bedding, etc.), or through respiratory droplets following prolonged face-to-face contact,” according to the Chicago Department of Public Health, can spread the disease.

Viruses cause fever, bodily pains, and rashes.

“Suspected cases may present with early flu-like symptoms and progress to lesions that may begin on one site on the body and spread to other parts,” CDPH noted.