The Hawaii Department of Health on Friday reported two additional mpox cases on Oahu, bringing the total reported statewide since June 3, 2022, to 44.
The two new cases are the second and third cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, diagnosed in Hawaii so far this year. The first new case of mpox diagnosed in the state this year was reported last month – following a nearly one-year gap.
Health officials at the time said the National Wastewater Surveillance System had reported intermittent detection of mpox virus in wastewater samples from Oahu.
The two new cases bring the total number reported on Oahu to 30, along with four on Kauai, four on Hawaii island, two on Maui, and four out-of-state.
DOH said it continues contact tracing all reported cases, and advises those at higher risk of mpox infection to consider being vaccinated with two doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine, which is available statewide.
The risk of mpox remains low for most Hawaii residents, DOH said. Current cases, both nationally and in Hawaii, 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 mpox is at risk of infection, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Those at higher risk for mpox include:
>> Individuals who meet both the following criteria: gay, bisexual and other men and transgender people who have sex with men, and also have multiple or casual sex partners, such as through dating apps, or expect to have this mpox risk in the future;
>> People who have a sex partner in any of the categories described above;
>> Anyone with close contact in the last 14 days with a person with known or suspected mpox infection;
>> Persons with severely compromised immune systems;
>> Anyone in any of these categories who has received only one mpox vaccine dose.
To find a provider offering the vaccine, visit health.hawaii.gov/mpox.
