Two New Haveners have tested positive for the monkeypox virus, and city officials are working to stem the spread.
That was the upshot of a City Hall press conference Thursday morning.
Officials announced that two men in New Haven — one in his 20s, one in his 30s — have tasted positive for the virus, among 13 statewide. The two had mild symptoms and are recovering, reported Health Director Maritza Bond.
Monkeypox, a contagious disease, is currently spreading in the U.S. It most often spreads “through direct contact with a rash or sores of someone who has the virus. It can also spread through contact with clothing, bedding and other items used by a person with monkeypox, or from respiratory droplets that can be passed through prolonged face-to-face contact,” according to a city fact sheet. Click here to read more about the virus and where New Haveners can get help or more information.
The virus has a 3 to 21-day incubation period, leading officials to ask New Haveners to take precautions.
The press conference’s message was nuanced.
Right now the virus has spread nationally primarily among men who have sex with other men, especially men who have multiple partners. So the city asks people in that category to be especially on the lookout for the fatigue, chills, rashes, fever, headaches or backaches that can be symptoms of the virus; and to contact a health provider if so to get tested and/or treatment.
The city also asks people in general to be on the lookout for the virus.
“Stigma, shame and silence are sometimes a primary barrier to seeking out care and treatment. It’s very important that if you do have symptoms and feel like you might have exposure, to come forward and seek care,” said city Community Services Administrator Mehul Dalal.
“Men who have sex with men, people who have multiple sex partners — it’s important to not stigmatize the behavior. These people need care. From a public health side, we need to identify them to provide proper care … without judgment.”
Connecticut is short of monkeypox vaccines right now, mirroring a national shortage.
Click on the video to watch the full press conference.