State Department of Health Update On Case of Probable Monkeypox In New York City - New York State Department of Health

New Yorkers can learn about monkeypox at the State Department of Health's website: health.ny.gov/Monkeypox

Albany, N.Y. (May 26, 2022) – The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), working with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH), today updated New Yorkers on an individual diagnosed with confirmed orthopoxvirus, presumed monkeypox – which will be treated as a probable monkeypox case.

As reported by NYCDOHMH, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tests did not conclusively identify the monkeypox virus, earlier tests detected orthopoxvirus. The monkeypox virus belongs to the orthopoxvirus family, and the presentation of this case was consistent with disease caused by monkeypox. NYCDOHMH, as the lead of this investigation, will continue contact tracing.

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), in partnership with local and federal public health authorities, will continue to learn more from the presumptive positive case and communicate openly with New Yorkers.

Monkeypox is a rare viral illness that does not usually cause serious illness, but can result in hospitalization or death. Monkeypox typically begins with a flu-like illness and swelling of the lymph nodes and progresses to a rash on the face and body. Most infections last two to four weeks.

Those who experience symptoms consistent with monkeypox, such as characteristic rashes or lesions, should contact their health care provider for a risk assessment. This includes anyone who traveled to countries where monkeypox cases have been reported or has had contact with a someone who has a similar rash or received a diagnosis of suspected or confirmed monkeypox.

For more information on NYCDOHMH's announcement, visit: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/about/press/pr2022/monkeypox-presumed-case-update.page.

For more information on monkeypox, visit: health.ny.gov/Monkeypox.