Cases of Monkeypox Identified in Non-Endemic Countries Including the US

The Alameda County Public Health Department has issued a health advisory for clinicians regarding monkeypox in light of reports of global transmission of monkeypox including the United States. As of May 24, 2022, monkeypox virus infections have been confirmed in Australia, Europe and North America including 1 confirmed in a Massachusetts resident – all countries where the virus is non-endemic. In addition, patients with symptoms compatible with monkeypox infection are under investigation in the United States (7) who are all confirmed with Orthopox viral DNA. Cases of monkeypox have been identified since early May 2022; many of the cases have involved men who identify as gay, bisexual or have sex with men (MSM) without a history of travel to an endemic country. Clinical details on these cases, including any hospitalizations or deaths, are currently unknown.

Please review the full health advisory for additional background and action requested of clinicians.