7 monkeypox cases now reported in Chicago, at least one case involves IML attendee

The Chicago Dept. of Public Health (CDPH) Monday announced five new confirmed cases of monkeypox in Chicago residents, bringing the total to seven.

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, according to CDPH.

CDPH sent communication to public health departments around the country about its ongoing investigation to request notification of any additional cases who visited Chicago from May 26-30.

Early data suggest that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) make up a high number of cases. It is important to note that the risk of monkeypox is not limited to MSM and not all Chicago cases have been among men.

CDPH said individuals attending festivals or other summer events should consider how much close, personal, skin-to-skin contact is likely to occur at the events they plan to attend.

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 Allison Arwady, M.D., CDPH Commissioner.

CDPH has been engaging with organizers of summer events to share information and encourage messaging about safety.

Symptoms include rashes, sores and lesions that often look severe, as well as fever and muscle aches.

For more about the monkeypox virus, visit https://gopride.com/Zfki / and https://gopride.com/Zfkj .