Monkeypox In Mercer County: Case Numbers, Who Can Get Vaccinated

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — The Biden administration on Thursday declared monkeypox a public health emergency as cases across the country continue to climb.

In New Jersey, the number of probable and confirmed cases reached 214 as of Friday.

In Mercer County, the total number of monkeypox cases was five, according to data released by the New Jersey Department of Health.

The most number of cases have been identified in Hudson County (61 cases), Essex County (35) and Bergen County (23), which are close to New York City.

Eight New Jersey counties — Gloucester, Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Salem, Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon — have no reported monkeypox cases. However, it does not mean the virus hasn't hit those counties, since the figures don't account for people who haven't gotten tested.

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, the Health Department said. Monkeypox does not spread easily to people without close contact.

At this time cases of monkeypox are relatively rare in the United States, the Health Department said. Those who think they may have been exposed to the virus or who have symptoms should consult with a healthcare provider.

The CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to monkeypox and people who may be more likely to get monkeypox. But there is a limited supply of the vaccine, called JYNNEOS, in New Jersey.

The following residents may be eligible for vaccination, according to the NJDOH:

• People who have known contact with someone who tested positive for orthopoxvirus or monkeypox virus within past 14 days (contact your local health department to coordinate vaccination)
• 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 past 14 days (make an appointment at a vaccine location)

The state expects additional vaccine doses from the CDC in the coming days and will continue to expand access to vaccination, according to the state health department.

Vaccines are available by appointment through the following community partners:

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
Location: Annex 2 (white tent structure), 230 East Ridgewood Ave, Paramus
Phone: 800-730-2762
Schedule an appointment: www.newbridgehealth.org

Cooper Vaccine & Testing Clinic, Cooper University Hospital
Location: 300 Broadway, Camden
Phone: 856-968-7100
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Website: https://my.cooperhealth.org/mychart/authentication/login

Hyacinth AIDS Foundation/Project Living Out Loud!
Location: Jersey City
Phone: 201-706-3480

The Prevention Resource Network, a program of the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey Location: Asbury Park
Phone: 732-502-5100

North Jersey Community Research Initiative (NJCRI)
Location: Newark
Phone: 973-483-3444 ext. 200

Check with the local health department or visit this page for updates on vaccination.

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