Case Of Monkeypox Reported In Westchester

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — A case of monkeypox has been reported in Westchester County, New York health officials said Thursday.

As of June 16, a total of 21 confirmed orthopoxvirus/monkeypox cases have been identified with 1 in Westchester, 1 in Sullivan County and 19 in New York City, health officials reported.

Thursday's New York City number is a one-day jump. SEE: NYC Monkeypox Cases Grow To 14 As Experts Ponder Next Steps.

As of yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 84 cases across the country. The first US case in 2022 was reported May 18 in Massachusetts.

The cases have been confirmed through testing for orthopoxvirus/monkeypox — a designation established by the CDC, state officials said.

Westchester County officials said the details of the local case have not been released publicly.

County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said the risk for monkeypox remains low, but that everyone should be alert.

"Those who experience symptoms consistent with Monkeypox, such as rashes or lesions, should contact their doctor immediately," Amler said. "At this point, transmission is occurring mostly with skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals.”

For more information on Monkeypox, visit: health.ny.gov/Monkeypox.

"Based on the limited information available at this time, the current risk to the general public appears low though we urge New Yorkers to stay informed and vigilant," state officials said. "NYSDOH, in partnership with local and federal public health authorities, will continue to learn more and communicate openly with New Yorkers."

State health department officials said they have alerted New York health care providers so they have information regarding reporting and case testing — which can be performed at the State Health Department's Wadsworth laboratory — should any of their patients present with symptoms consistent with monkeypox.

"One of the most important lessons of the pandemic is the need to provide the public with the most accurate and up-to-date information available from public health authorities. I appreciate the NYS Department of Health making us aware that a case has now been identified in Westchester," said State Sen. Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, who represents part of Westchester. "My office will continue to monitor the situation, and I encourage constituents to be aware of symptoms and recommendations described on the NYS DOH website."

SEE ALSO: More Monkeypox Cases Reported: What New Yorkers Need To Know

They said that from a public health perspective, it's important to treat these as probable monkeypox cases because:

• The monkeypox virus belongs to the orthopoxvirus family;
• The rarity of orthopoxvirus, generally;
• The presentation of symptoms, in confirmed orthopoxvirus cases, being consistent with monkeypox.

Monkeypox is a rare, viral illness that usually begins with flu-like symptoms and swelling of the lymph nodes, and progresses to a rash on the face and body. Most infections last about two to four weeks.

The disease is typically limited to central and west Africa, where people are exposed through bites or scratches from rodents and small mammals, preparing wild game or coming into contact with an infected animal. Individuals can also be infected through contact with infected people, their clothing or bedsheets.

The World Health Organization has described the outbreak, now in more than 30 countries beyond Africa, as "unusual," the Associated Press reported.