Monkeypox Outbreak
Cook County Health is offering monkeypox testing, treatment and vaccination at several health centers, including suburban Cook County locations in Arlington Heights, Blue Island and North Riverside.
CDC is urging healthcare providers in the United States to be alert for patients who have rash illnesses consistent with monkeypox. (See FAQs below for symptoms).
If you are a healthcare provider, see the CCDPH MPV Information for Healthcare Providers page for more information.
Since mid-May, the CDC, state and local health departments have been closely tracking an outbreak of monkeypox (MPV) that has spread across several countries that don’t normally report the disease, including the United States.
On July 23, 2022, the World Health Organization declared MPV a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. On Aug. 1, 2022, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker declared MPV a public health emergency in the state of Illinois, to rapidly mobilize all available public health resources to prevent and treat MPV and ensure smooth coordination at all levels of government.
Monkeypox in Suburban Cook County
Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) is tracking MPV cases and contacts. CCDPH is also working with partners to ensure contacts and high risk individuals are vaccinated, and high risk cases have access to treatment.
The risk to the general public in suburban Cook County is currently low. The graphs below contain information about confirmed MPV cases in suburban Cook County by age, race, sex, ethnicity and sexual orientation.
Data last updated on: August 10, 2022
Total Cases
Hospitalizations
Deaths
| Age Group | Count | (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 0-17 | 0 | (0%) |
| 18-24 | 1 | (2%) |
| 25-34 | 19 | (38%) |
| 35-44 | 18 | (36%) |
| 45-54 | 9 | (18%) |
| 55-64 | 3 | (6%) |
| 65+ | 0 | (0%) |
| Sexual Orientation | Count | (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Lesbian or Gay | 19 | (38%) |
| Unknown | 16 | (32%) |
| Bisexual | 11 | (19%) |
| Straight, not Gay or Lesbian | 4 | (8%) |
| Race/Ethnicity | Count | (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Hispanic/Latinx | 23 | (46%) |
| White, not Hispanic/Latinx | 15 | (30%) |
| Black, not Hispanic/Latinx | 9 | (18%) |
| Asian | 1 | (2%) |
| Other | 1 | (2%) |
| Unknown | 1 | (2%) |
| Sex | Count | (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 50 | (100%) |
| Female | 0 | (0%) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MPV virus?
MPV is a rare, but possibly serious viral illness, which belongs to the orthopoxvirus family. MPV infection can be more serious in those with weakened immune systems, certain types of skin conditions, pregnant women and young children. It usually starts with flu-like symptoms and swelling of the lymph nodes and grows to a rash on the face and body. Most infections last two to four weeks.
What does MPV look like?
Below are some examples of what MPV looks like. For more information please visit the CDC website
Who is at high-risk for MPV?
People considered at high-risk for MPV include: People who identify as bisexual, gay, transgender, assigned male at birth (AMAB) or a man who has sex with men (MSM)…PLUS one of the following:
- Multiple sex partners
- Anonymous sex
- Sex for money or gifts
- Sex at a bath house, club or party
If this sounds like you, or you have symptoms of MPV, contact a healthcare provider. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, call the HIV Resource Hub at 844-482-4040. CDC recommends vaccination within 4 days from the date of exposure for the best chance to avoid getting monkeypox.
What are the symptoms of MPV?
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Rash on face, body or genitals
How is MPV spread?
Monkeypox can spread in various ways. MPV can spread person-to-person through:
- Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs or body fluids
- Respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact such as kissing, cuddling or sex
- Handling personal items like bedding, towels, laundry, utensils, fetish gear and sex toys
Can you get MPV through casual contact?
No. MPV is spread by direct contact with:
- Infectious rash, scabs or body fluids
- Respiratory secretions shared during prolonged face-to-face and physical contact (kissing, cuddling or sex)
- Personal items like bedding, towels, laundry, utensils, fetish gear and sex toys.
Who should get vaccinated for MPV?
A Spanish version of this graphic is available here.
What should I do if I have MPV symptoms?
If you have fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, enlarged lymph nodes, rash or sores on face, body or genitals:
- Stay home and away from other people (isolate).
- Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider.
- Wear a mask and cover rash (if present) when you go to the appointment.
- If you have a rash or sore available for testing, the healthcare provider will call the health department for next steps. The healthcare provider will take a sample from the rash or sore to send to a lab.
- Wear a mask and keep rash covered while in public and continue to isolate while waiting for test results.
Communications Materials
Visit the CCDPH Monkeypox communications materials page to download social media graphics, FAQs, palm cards and more.
Updated August 11, 2022, 2:24 PM
