Four New Monkeypox Cases Reported in Hawaiʻi

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is reporting four additional monkeypox cases in Hawaiʻi and expanding JYNNEOS vaccination eligibility for prevention of monkeypox.
The four additional monkeypox cases identified include:

• An Oʻahu resident whose case is related to travel outside Hawaiʻi
• An Oʻahu resident whose case is related to previously reported cases
• An Oʻahu resident whose case is still being investigated
• A non-resident who was diagnosed on Kauaʻi and whose case is related to travel outside Hawaiʻi

These new cases bring the State’s total monkeypox case count to 16.  DOH continues to conduct contact tracing and follow-up with all reported cases.
The JYNNEOS monkeypox vaccine is available statewide to Hawaiʻi residents 18 and older. The expanded vaccination eligibility includes:

• 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.

DOH and healthcare providers in each county who directly reach individuals at higher risk of monkeypox exposure continue to vaccinate eligible individuals.
JYNNEOS is a two-dose series administered approximately four weeks apart. The vaccine may be administered between layers of the skin, similar to a TB skin test, or under the skin. Both routes of administration provide the same, high level of protection.  DOH has received approximately 2,800 doses of JYNNEOS and continues to order Hawaiʻi’s full allocation from the federal government. More than 1,000 doses have been administered.
Individuals eligible for vaccination can make an appointment by contacting:

 
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.