The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there has been a resurgence of mpox, the infectious disease formerly known as monkeypox.

The disease is transmitted through close contact, usually skin to skin rubbing with someone who has the rash.

"We have seen a rise in cases. Getting mpox frankly is a very painful experience, and it can sometimes be very debilitating," says Dr. Asha Shah, Director of infectious diseases at Stamford Health.

Shah says the disease can also leave extensive scarring.

Ahead of pride events next month, health officials are alerting groups considered high risk and urge them to get vaccinated.

"It's called the Jynneous vaccine, it's a two-dose vaccine," says Shah.

The vaccine is widely available and free. Similar to other vaccines, if someone who is vaccinated gets mpox, they will likely get a less severe case of the disease.

Along with an increase in cases in the U.S., global health officials say a stronger sub-type of the disease is spreading rampantly in Central Africa.