Two Monkeypox cases reported in Forsyth County

Forsyth County is reporting its first cases of monkeypox. 

Health officials confirmed on Monday that two people in Forsyth County have tested positive for the virus. Staffers are now conducting contact tracing to determine who else may have been exposed and could benefit from vaccination. 

The monkeypox vaccine can prevent illness in people who have had close contact with a positive case. Supply has been tight so far though. Last week, Forsyth County Public Health Director Joshua Swift said the county had been allocated 820 doses. 

“We have given 100 to Atrium, 100 to Novant, and 120 to other health departments in the area," said Swift. "And we've also done outreach. We've had vaccine clinics held at North Star LGBTQ [Community] Center for the past three Tuesdays. We're continuing that partnership by appointment only.”

162 monkeypox cases have been reported statewide as of Monday. Though anyone can contract the disease, nearly all the cases in North Carolina have been among men who have sex with men. State health officials say testing is now widely available.