First Probable Monkeypox Case In New Jersey Reported: Health Officials

NORTH JERSEY — The first probable case of monkeypox in New Jersey has been recorded in a North Jersey resident, the Department of Health said Monday.

The resident had a PCR test done on June 18 that confirmed the presence of an orthopoxvirus, the health department said. Monkeypox is in the orthopoxvirus genus, like smallpox. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will test to confirm what exactly the virus is.

The patient is isolating at home, the department of health said.

The city of Jersey City later confirmed that the probable case was in their city.

Related: Monkeypox Spreads In U.S.: What NJ Residents Need To Know

Health officials say the risk of New Jerseyans getting monkeypox is relatively low.

"Most New Jersey residents are not at risk of infection with monkeypox," the health department said. "Monkeypox is rare but can spread through close prolonged contact with an infected person or animal. This might include coming into contact with skin lesions, or body fluids, sharing clothes or other materials that have been used by someone who is infectious, or inhaling respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact."

Symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox, but are milder. They begin 7−14 days after infection and include fever, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion, according to the CDC.

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