New York City Reports Two New Cases of Monkeypox – NBC New York (47)

NEW YORK – Two more people have tested positive for what is presumed to be monkeypox in New York City, city health officials said Wednesday.

“Two more people have tested positive for orthopoxvirus in New York City, which is suspected to be monkeypox. We will be conducting contact tracing and monitoring and referring people for care if needed. Monkeypox is rare.” in New York City, but we can prevent the spread,” the city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene tweeted.

As of Tuesday night, the CDC said there were 18 confirmed cases across the country from the recent outbreak. That’s double the agency’s update last Thursday.

Globally, the World Health Organization has identified infections from the current outbreak in 12 countries.

The WHO says there is so far no link between this outbreak and travel to countries where the virus is already endemic.

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958, when outbreaks occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research, giving rise to its name. (What you need to know about monkeypox).

The first human case was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which still has the majority of infections. Other African countries where it has been found: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone.

Human symptoms of monkeypox are similar to but milder than smallpox symptoms, the CDC says. It presents as a flu-like illness accompanied by swollen lymph nodes and a rash on the face and body.

Monkeypox begins with a fever, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion. Monkeypox also causes the lymph nodes to swell, something that smallpox does not. The incubation period is usually 7 to 14 days, but can range from 5 to 21 days.

Cases reported outside of Africa have generally been linked to international travel or animals that have been imported.

The CDC urges healthcare providers in the US to be vigilant for patients who have monkeypox-like rashes, regardless of whether they have traveled or are at specific risk for monkeypox. See more information about the travel advisory here.