Monkeypox Update In Morristown: Health Department

MORRISTOWN, NJ — With the recent global spread of Monkeypox, cases are beginning to rise in New Jersey and have spread to Morris County.

According to the NJ Department of Health, there are 175 probable and confirmed cases in the state, with less than 5 cases in Morris County.

Currently, Hudson County has the most cases in New Jersey, with 61, followed by Essex, which has 35.

According to the Health Department, the monkeypox virus can cause flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that often begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. Monkeypox does not spread easily between people unless there is close contact.

According to the Health Department, cases of monkeypox in the United States are currently considered rare. People who believe they have been exposed to monkeypox or who have monkeypox symptoms should consult a doctor.

"Monkeypox is caused by a virus that is part of the same family of viruses that causes smallpox. The most common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, respiratory symptoms and a rash that looks like blisters or pimples. Though monkeypox and smallpox share similar symptoms, monkeypox symptoms are milder and the disease is rarely fatal," Morristown Medical Center officials said.

Vaccination is recommended by the CDC for people who have been exposed to monkeypox or are at risk of contracting it. The vaccine, known as JYNNEOS, is, however, in short supply in New Jersey.

Who can get vaccinated?

• People who have known contact with someone who tested positive for orthopoxvirus or monkeypox virus within the past 14 days
• People who attended an event where known monkeypox exposure occurred within 14 days (make an appointment at a vaccine location)
• People who identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men (MSM), and/or transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender non-binary and who have a history of multiple or anonymous sex with partners within the past 14 days (make an appointment at a vaccine location)

How Monkeypox spreads:

• Primarily spread through close contact with someone already infected with monkeypox
• Touching items such as clothing or linens used by someone with monkeypox
• Pregnant women can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta
• A bite or scratch from an infected animal