Maine CDC reports 3rd monkeypox case

AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) - The White House is now calling monkeypox a public health emergency.

The move comes as more than 6,600 Americans have been infected.

We now know where the third case of monkeypox is in Maine

The Maine CDC said Friday morning it was detected in Aroostook County.

The first two cases came from York and Penobscot counties.

The Maine CDC says it’s working to identify close contacts and make vaccinations available to them.

So, who is eligible for the vaccine right now?

Health officials are focusing on those in the highest risk group which includes gay, bi-sexual, transgender, non-binary and all other men who have sex with men.

”That’s not to say that it’s an STD because it is absolutely not an STD. It just so happens that with this particular outbreak, that’s the community that is encountering monkeypox first,” said Kyle Holmquist, Local Roots Health Care.

If you think you’ve been exposed to monkeypox or have a new or unexplained rash or lesion, you should see your healthcare provider to be evaluated and tested.

Copyright 2022 WABI. All rights reserved.