DH’s role as a technical assistance provider in the DOH Community-Driven Outreach (CDO) Initiative concluded on 5/31/2024.
For more information, visit WA Portal or contact DOH at communityinvestmentsandengagement@doh.wa.gov.

Monkeypox Declared Public Health Emergency as Cases Rise Across the Globe 

July 27, 2022

Monkeypox is a viral disease that occurs in rodents and non-human primates in Central and West Africa. Infections can spread both from animals to humans and between humans once an infection occurs.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Monkeypox spreads from person-to-person through: 

  • direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids 
  • respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex 
  • touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids 
  • pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta 

In recent months, monkeypox cases have been on the rise globally. On July 23, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) determined that the global monkeypox outbreak is a public health emergency of international concern. According to a statement from the WHO Director-General, more than 16,000 cases have currently been reported from 75 countries and territories, and five deaths have been reported.  

In Washington state, the first reported case of monkeypox was confirmed on May 27, 2022, according to a Department of Health (DOH) news release. To date, 101 cases of monkeypox have been reported in Washington state, 90 of which occurred in King County. On July 8, 2022, DOH announced a monkeypox vaccine allotment for Washington state in this news release. 

Monkeypox Resources 

Centers for Disease Control (CDC): 

Washington State Department of Health (DOH): 

King County: