On June 13, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) stated that it continues to investigate reports of monkeypox cases in Chicago residents and is asking people to take proper precautions when in spaces or situations where monkeypox could be spread through close or intimate contact.
As of June 12, Chicago had identified seven confirmed cases of monkeypox, and CDPH continues to work closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health and other local public health departments to identify other potential cases.
Some of the current cases involve individuals who recently traveled to Europe. One Chicago resident reported attending the International Mr. Leather (IML) conference in Chicago from May 26-30. Additionally, residents from another state who were diagnosed with monkeypox also reported attending the IML conference.
More than 10,000 individuals attended the event.
CDPH communicated with public health departments around the country about its ongoing investigation to request notification of any additional cases who visited Chicago from May 26-30. Learning of additional monkeypox infections will assist local health officials in their ongoing investigation and contact tracing.
"While the risk in Chicago remains low, CDPH wants the public to be able to make informed choices about gathering in spaces or participating in events where monkeypox could be spread through close or intimate contact," said CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D., in the statement.
Thirty-three countries have reported more than 1,450 confirmed monkeypox cases. In the United States, 49 confirmed cases have been reported in 16 states and the District of Columbia. Most of the infected individuals have reported only mild symptoms, and none have died.
For more about the monkeypox virus, visit www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/ and chi.gov/monkeypox. The full CDPH report is at tinyurl.com/498anhv5.