Monkeypox continues to spread; state reports more than 500 cases

Monkeypox continues to spread in Washington, as state health officials reported 506 cases on Monday.

King, Pierce and Snohomish counties were reporting the highest case numbers.

King County had a case count of 408, while Pierce reported 40, and Snohomish 19 cases.

Last month, health officials in King County declared monkeypox a public health emergency.

Executive Dow Constantine issued a local emergency proclamation that would allow Public Health — Seattle & King County to be more flexible with procurement, hiring and contracting protocols as they respond to the outbreak.

“We are fortunate to have one of the best public health organizations in the nation right here in King County, and today’s action ensures they will have all the tools needed to take on the challenge of monkeypox,” Constantine said.

Public Health — Seattle & King County also launched a Monkeypox data dashboard on its website, similar to a tool on the website that tracks COVID-19 cases.

Monkeypox is typically spread by close physical contact and can be extremely painful.

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