The number of monkeypox cases in Massachusetts is small, but rising quickly according to the latest data from the Department of Public Health. At least 157 cases were reported to the state.

 The virus, which has been spreading globally, is generally transmitted through close skin contact with people who have active lesions.

The CDC is tracking an outbreak of monkeypox that has spread across several countries that don’t normally report monkeypox, including the United States. The outbreak has recently been categorized as a public health emergency allowing more funding to tackle the monkeypox virus.

The monkeypox virus is spreading mostly through close, intimate contact with someone who has monkeypox. Vaccination is available for those who are at high risk of contracting monkeypox. If you have any symptoms of monkeypox, talk to your healthcare provider, even if you don’t think you had contact with someone who has monkeypox.