On Thursday, officials from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released new information surrounding monkeypox cases the same day as the federal government declared it a public health emergency.
As of Aug. 3, DOH said 166 cases have been reported, with the majority of cases in King County. Other cases were reported in Whatcom, Snohomish, Pierce, Lewis, Yakima, Benton, Cowlitz, Clark, Mason and Kitsap counties.
DOH officials said while many counties don't have any confirmed cases, the department expects that to change as a "natural consequence of infectious disease transmission." Officials emphasized that while there has been a disproportionate impact on the LGBTQ+ community, anyone can become infected.
"This is a human disease," Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah said. "It's about the behaviors, it's not specific to sexual orientation or gender identity, anyone can get (monkeypox) through close contact with someone with a contagious rash related to (monkeypox), or also we believe some transmission potential through touching of linens or clothing that has been exposed to (monkeypox) virus as well."
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