Monkeypox cases up to 39 in Minnesota

The Minnesota Health Department is reporting 39 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the state so far.

State epidemiologist Dr. Ruth Lynfield says all of the state’s cases are in adult men between the ages of 18 and 55.

“If you think you have symptoms of monkeypox please contact or see your healthcare provider. health care providers can swab skin or mucosal lesions or rash or monkeypox testing.”

Dr. Lynfield says there is no test for people who are asymptomatic.

“People who do not have symptoms should not get tested unlike with COVID we do not have the ability to test for monkeypox in asymptomatic lesion-free people,” Dr. Lynfield told the Minnesota News Network.

However there is vaccine available for those who have monkeypox, although supply is currently limited.

Minnesota News Network