8legs: Umass memorial health

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health22h ago

2 mpox cases confirmed in Worcester as Mass. health officials warn of 'concerning' uptick

Two mpox cases were confirmed in Worcester, Massachusetts, signaling a local uptick in infections this fall.
Health officials say the two patients were women who are homeless and sex workers, prompting vaccination outreach.
DPH issued a clinical advisory in late October noting a concerning trend and possible underreporting.
Mpox spreads mainly through close skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity, according to WHO.
UMass Memorial Health is monitoring the two cases with DPH, as vaccination clinics operate locally.
Statewide mpox case counts this year total 51, with 37 cases since August 1.
Massachusetts health officials caution that unreported cases may be spreading in the community.
Clinicians emphasize mpox can be transmitted via clothing, needles, or tattoo parlors, per WHO guidance.
Officials have organized three vaccination clinics in Worcester in response to the cases.
The advisory notes mpox was renamed from monkeypox to address racism concerns.

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