Monkeypox Update: Hudson County Mayor Says NYC Cases 'Likely Undercounted'

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — No resident of Hoboken has tested positive for the monkeypox, said Mayor Ravi Bhalla in a message Wednesday, but he wanted to share information in order to urge residents to be careful. At least 228 New York City residents have tested positive, he said in his message.

The first confirmed case in New Jersey was announced in Jersey City last month. READ MORE: Case Of Monkey Pox Identified In Hudson County: Officials

Hoboken borders Jersey City, and many of its 60,000 residents commute to Manhattan.

"Learning from the lessons of COVID-19, it is very likely that these confirmed cases [in NYC] are substantially undercounted," Bhalla said.

COVID cases in Hoboken have risen over the last month, but due to home testing, the true number is not known. Despite this rise, hospitalizations have remained low. READ MORE: Latest COVID Numbers Released

"Unfortunately monkeypox, another contagious virus, has been spreading within certain regions in the United States," he wrote. "Like the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to be guided by facts and science."

He noted that:

• As of Tuesday, according to the New Jersey Department of Health, there have been 18 probable and confirmed cases of monkeypox in New Jersey.
• The New York City Department of.Health has reported an increase of cases across the river in New York City, with 223 residents testing positive for orthopoxvirus, the group of viruses that cause monkeypox.
• "As you may have heard, anyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can get infected with and spread monkeypox. However, the New York City Health Department has reported that the most current cases in New York City are seen by men who have sex with other men."
• Monkeypox is most often spread through direct contact with a rash or sores of someone who has the virus. Transmission can occur during sexual or intimate activities.
• If you have a new rash or sore that seems unusual, contact your healthcare provider.
• Vaccines remain scarce in New Jersey at the current time, however the New Jersey Department of Health is currently working to expand access in the coming weeks and months.
• Symptoms may appear 7-14 days after exposure, but could occur up to 21 days from exposure.
• According to the CDC, an individual is contagious until all sores have healed and a new layer of skin has formed, which can take two to four weeks.
• There is no current treatment for monkeypox, although most will recover on their own

The state explains the origins and symptoms of the virus here: NJ Department of Health

The incubation period (time from being infected to the time symptoms appear) is usually 7-14 days but can range from 5-21 days. People who have weak immune systems or skin conditions such as eczema may experience more serious illness or complications.

If you suspect you have monkeypox or have been in close contact with a confirmed case, consult with your healthcare provider for further information. You can also call the Hoboken Health Department for additional guidance by calling 201-420-2375.