A case of monkeypox has been confirmed in Polk County, bringing the number of Bay area cases to three.

Spectrum Bay News 9 reported last week that Pinellas County had a monkeypox case. Since then, a second case has been confirmed there.

The two people in Pinellas County contracted the disease in Florida.

Health officials said it's unknown where the Polk County person caught the disease.

Out of the three cases in the area, one person is between the age of 30-34, another is 40-44 and the other is 45-49.

Monkeypox has sickened people for decades in central and west Africa, but until last month, the disease had not been known to cause significant outbreaks in multiple countries at the same time and involving people with no travel links to the continent.

Scientists warn that anyone in close, physical contact with someone infected with monkeypox or their clothing or bedsheets is at risk of catching the disease, regardless of their sexual orientation.

People with monkeypox often experience symptoms like fever, body aches and a rash; most recover within weeks without needing medical care.