Two more Massachusetts men have tested positive for the monkeypox virus nearly a month after the first case of the virus was reported in the state amid an international outbreak, the Department of Public Health said Sunday. The tests tested positive on Saturday.
The two men had contact with each other, but not with the initial case, and are isolating themselves, the department said in a statement. The Boston Public Health Commission will lead contact tracking efforts.
Monkeypox infections remain rare and none of the close contacts in the first case in Massachusetts developed monkeypox, DPH State Epidemiologist Catherine Brown said in a statement. “It’s very important to be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox and be alert. People with rashes should contact their healthcare provider,” he said.
Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, sore throat, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and the development of high, fluid-filled lesions, although a rash is often the first symptom, the department said.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 49 cases of monkeypox virus infections across the country on Friday, a number that has been steadily rising.
Initial cases of monkeypox virus, related to the smallpox virus, were related to international travel, the department said. However, men who have sex with men now account for a large proportion of the cases identified, but anyone who is exposed to someone with monkeypox is at risk, according to the statement.
The monkeypox virus does not spread easily, but it is transmitted by direct contact with body fluids or smallpox wounds, according to the department.
No deaths have been reported in the United States or around the world during the current outbreak, and most cases are mild, with recovery in two to four weeks, officials said.
Alexander Thompson can be contacted at alexander.thomppson@globe.com