CDC reports more than 800 monkeypox cases in IL. Use interactive map to see US outbreak
Even as the state works to get limited vaccine supply to those most at risk, monkeypox case counts continue to climb in Illinois.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 851 confirmed cases in the state as of Tuesday. That’s a jump from just over a week ago, when the state had recorded 672 cases.
The Illinois Department of Public Health has not released county-level data on the cases, though as of the end of July, a majority of the cases reported at that time were in the city of Chicago.
Several metro-east health agencies have reported confirmed and probable cases in their jurisdictions, including St. Clair and Madison counties.
Monkeypox, which is in the same variola virus family as the more serious smallpox, is rarely fatal. Though not typically seen in the U.S., the outbreak this year has reached nearly 12,700 cases.
You can see cases confirmed by state using the interactive map below, with data from the CDC.
Note: This graphic will automatically update as new data become available.
Illinois is among the handful of states that have recorded pediatric cases of monkeypox, including one linked to a daycare in early August.
Symptoms of monkeypox and how to reduce your risk
A common symptom of monkeypox is a rash, which can occur near the genitals, anus, hands, feet, chest, face or mouth, according to the CDC. It can initially look like pimples or blisters and can prove itchy or painful.
Other symptoms include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle aches, backaches, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion or cough.
Not all individuals experience all symptoms. Some only get the rash.
The CDC says symptoms typically begin within three weeks of exposure and can last two to four weeks.
“Monkeypox can be spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed,” the CDC states.
The virus spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, intimate contact, via the placenta during pregnancy or can be transmitted from an infected animal, the federal agency reports.
Monkeypox is a virus that can infect any individual, regardless of sexual orientation.
Monkeypox vaccines in Illinois
Though monkeypox vaccines are in short supply across the U.S., the federal government is distributing them from the National Strategic Stockpile. The rollout has proved troublesome for state and local providers, however, The New York Times reported Monday.
The Illinois Department of Public Health reports 21,400 doses have been administered in the state, and health officials have focused on those groups considered most at risk.
If you have symptoms or believe you may have been exposed to monkeypox, you can reach out to your health care provider or state or local health department to discuss vaccine eligibility and testing.
