What’s new: This rare, contagious disease continues to spread throughout Georgia.

• “Current trends nationally and at a state level show a continued gradual increase in cases,” said Katie Hadden, public information officer for the Southeast Health District.
• “As people at higher risk for monkeypox infection receive the monkeypox vaccine and practice mitigation strategies, there is the potential for the frequency of cases to decrease,” said Hadden.
• Direct skin-to-skin contact, including sexual and/or close intimate contact, has been identified as a predominant type of exposure for people with monkeypox in the United States.
• Hadden said that at this time, the Southeast Health District will not be reporting case numbers at a district or county level.

What’s next: Everyone can take steps to protect themselves against the disease such as:

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
• Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.
• Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have close personal contact with someone with monkeypox.
• Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox.
• Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

For more information visit https://dph.georgia.gov/monkeypox