The first case of monkeypox outside of New York City has been reported by the state Health Department on Wednesday, June 8.
The DOH announced the first case outside the city was detected in Sullivan County. Since May, there have been nine confirmed monkeypox cases- also called orthopoxvirus- in New York, eight of those being found in New York City.
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Monkeypox risk remains low
Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett commented on the risk of monkeypox in New York State in the DOH update.
“As the risk for monkeypox remains low, we urge New Yorkers to be alert and seek care if you have symptoms consistent with monkeypox, as we continue to learn more about this virus.”
According to Sullivan County Public Health Director Nancy McGraw, the county is closely monitoring the one infected individual.
“There is no identified risk to any County residents, as the individual had traveled outside the USA and was no longer contagious by the time they returned to Sullivan County. As we have done with COVID-19, Sullivan County Public Health remains vigilant and ready to respond to communicable diseases of all types, and should there be any public health risk, we will promptly make notice to our residents and visitors.”
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Monkeypox cases in the U.S. started in May 2022
Monkeypox, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a rare disease that is caused by an infection of the monkeypox virus and it does not usually cause serious illness, however, in rare cases, it may result in hospitalization or death.
Since May 13 of this year, cases of monkeypox have been reported by the World Health Organization from 12 Member States.
Monkeypox case symptoms are typically a rash, and symptoms before or after rash appearance include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and pain when swallowing. Infections of the virus typically last two to four weeks.
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