Monkeypox Case Reported In Rockland County

Editor's Note: The New York State Health Department updated its date Wednesday afternoon, confirming 69 cases statewide as of June 29, a jump of 7 in one day.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — A Rockland County resident has been officially diagnosed with orthopoxvirus/monkeypox, county officials announced Wednesday.

It's the 69th case in New York — up from 21 cases as of June 16, when the first case was reported in the Hudson Valley.

That's up from June 28, when there were 62 confirmed orthopoxvirus/monkeypox cases — a designation established by CDC — identified in New York State including 62 in New York City, four in Westchester County, one in Sullivan County and one in Chemung County, and the one in Rockland, county officials said.

Confirmed cases in the United States totaled 306 as of June 28, according to the CDC.

This confirmed case is limited to one person who has not had any contact with anyone locally and poses no risk to Rockland residents, county officials said.

Monkeypox is a rare viral illness that does not usually cause serious illness but may result in hospitalization or death. Monkeypox cases in this outbreak have involved a rash (often in the genital and peri-anal regions), and may also include other symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and pain when swallowing, before or after the rash appearance. Most infections last two to four weeks.

"It’s not clear how the people were exposed to monkeypox, but early data suggest that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men make up a high number of cases, said officials at the Centers for Disease Control. "However, anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox is at risk."

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.

"Following measles and COVID-19, I want to assure residents that our Department of Health is well prepared to track and manage this situation and respond accordingly," said County Executive Ed Day.

"The Rockland County Department of Health is closely monitoring this case, which is limited to just one individual. There is no identified risk to any county residents. As we have shown with COVID-19, staff at our local department of health remain vigilant and ready to respond to communicable diseases of all types, and promptly inform our residents to safeguard their health," said Dr. Patricia Ruppert, the county's health commissioner.

Hudson Valley residents can learn more about monkeypox at the New York State Department of Health's website at health.ny.gov/monkeypox. Testing for orthopoxvirus was conducted at the NYS's Wadsworth Center Laboratory.