Update: Monkeypox in New York State – July 2022
As of July 18 2022, a total of 651 confirmed orthopoxvirus/monkeypox cases - a designation established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - have been identified with 618 in New York City, 16 in Westchester County, 5 in Suffolk County, 3 in Nassau County, 3 in Monroe County, 2 in Erie County, 1 in Sullivan County, 1 in Chemung County, 1 in Rockland County, and 1 in St. Lawrence County.
Monkeypox is a rare, viral infection that does not usually cause serious illness. However, it can result in hospitalization or death. That's why health officials in New York, the U.S., and around the world are monitoring cases of monkeypox in areas that do not usually report monkeypox infections, including in New York State.
While New Yorkers should not be alarmed, everyone should stay informed about monkeypox. This means understanding the symptoms, how it spreads, and what to do if you are exposed.
Who is at risk for contracting monkeypox?
Monkeypox spreads through close, physical contact between people. This means anyone can get monkeypox. However, based on the current outbreak, certain populations are being affected by monkeypox more than others, including men who have sex with men (MSM).
Based on previous outbreaks of monkeypox around the world, some groups may also be at heightened risk for severe outcomes if they contract monkeypox. This includes people with weakened immune systems, elderly New Yorkers, young children under 8 years of age, and pregnant people.
