THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IS WARNING ABOUT A RECENT INCREASE IN CASES OF M-POX IN THE CHICAGO-AREA. 

THERE’S BEEN A RESURGENCE OF M-POX, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MONKEY-POX IN THE CITY AND SUBURBAN COOK COUNTY. STATE PUBLIC HEALTH SPOKESPERSON MIKE CLAFFEY SAYS THEY ARE URGING AT-RISK INDIVIDUALS TO GET THE TWO-DOSE VACCINATION.

M-POX HAS BEEN SPREAD PRIMARILY THROUGH SEXUAL CONTACT BETWEEN MEN. THE VACCINE IS AVAILABLE AT MANY LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENTS AND HEALTH CARE CENTERS.

THE VACCINE INCLUDES TWO DOSES AND DOESN’T COMPLETELY PREVENT INFECTION BUT CAN SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE SYMPTOMS. IT’S AVAILABLE AT MANY LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS AND HEALTH CARE FACILITIES.