HONOLULU — The Hawaii Department of Health on Friday reported two cases of mpox in Hawaii – one associated with out-of-state exposure, the other possibly acquired locally since no out-of-state exposure or link to other prior cases was identified.

What You Need To Know

  • The two newest cases bring the total reported to Hawaii DOH since June 3, 2022, to 53

  • DOH says the current cases of clade II mpox, both nationally and in Hawaii, are primarily spreading in social networks of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men

  • But anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, who comes in close contact with someone with mpox can be infected

  • The JYNNEOS vaccine that protects against clade II mpox is also expected to protect against clade I mpox and comes in two doses separated by four weeks

So far seven mpox cases have been diagnosed in Hawaii in 2024. The two newest cases bring the total reported to Hawaii DOH since June 3, 2022, to 53.

Hawaii DOH urges those at higher risk of mpox infection to get vaccinated with two doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine at a health care provider’s office, CVS, Walgreens or at the Honolulu Pride Festival on Oct. 19. Find a provider offering the vaccine.

Risk of infection remains low for most residents, according to DOH. Mainly spread through close, intimate contact with body fluids, lesions or items used by someone with mpox, the infection can also be spread through respiratory droplets that do not generally travel more than a few feet.

DOH says the current cases of clade II mpox, both nationally and in Hawaii, are primarily spreading in social networks of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. But anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, who comes in close contact with someone with mpox can be infected.

Ask new partners about their health including rashes or sores, advises the DOH, and do not share bedding, clothing or toothbrushes with anyone outside the household. Minimize physical contact with others if attending an event with lots of direct contact.

Mpox infections have flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes or new rashes or sores. DOH advises anyone with these symptoms to contact your health care provider where testing and treatment are available. Those without a health care provider can find help at the STI/HIV Clinic at the Diamond Head Health Center.

The World Health Organization declared a “public health emergency of international concern” regarding an ongoing clade I mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring countries on Aug. 14. The clade I mpox has not been detected in the U.S. or Hawaii, according to DOH.

Hawaii DOH will continue to monitor for mpox and advise residents traveling internationally to review updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mpox vaccine recommendations and travel health notices.

The JYNNEOS vaccine that protects against clade II mpox is also expected to protect against clade I mpox. Available statewide, the vaccine comes in two doses separated by four weeks.

DOH provides vaccine sites:

Longs Drug (CVS) pharmacies, schedule online

Walgreens Pharmacies, schedule online

Vaccine clinics:

Oahu: 

  • Hawaii Health & Harm Reduction Center, Honolulu), 808-521-2437 
  • Kaiser Permanente, Mapunapuna Medical Office, Honolulu, 808-432-2000
  • Waikiki Health, 808-922-4787 

Kauai: 

  • Malama Pono Health Services, Lihue, 808-246-9577 

Maui: 

  • Malama I Ke Ola Health Center, Wailuku, 808-871-7772 

Hawaii Island: 

  • Hamakua-Kohala Health Centers, Honokaa, 808-930-2751 
  • Kumukahi Health + Wellness, Hilo and Kona, 808-982-8800 

According to DOH, Bavarian Nordic commercially launched its JYNNEOS vaccine on April 1, 2024, making vaccines accessible through commercial wholesalers. DOH advises calling other clinics and pharmacies ahead of time for availability.