New York Launches Two Online Resources with Information on Monkeypox and Pediatric Hepatitis – NBC New York (47)

New York launched two new web pages to provide New Yorkers with information about the monkey pox and pediatric hepatitis, the state Department of Health (NYSDOH) announced Tuesday.

The new sites include the status of every public health investigation in New York, as well as information on symptoms, transmission, and trusted resources from national and global health authorities.

“As we investigate suspected cases of monkeypox and pediatric hepatitis, we will continue to communicate openly with New Yorkers and New York providers,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. “This means sharing accessible and digestible public information. While the current risk to the general public is low, these new web pages will help New Yorkers remain alert and vigilant. I encourage all New Yorkers and our local public health partners to use these resources to stay informed about these emerging public health issues.”

MONKEYPOX

On May 20, 2022, the NYSDOH, in collaboration with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH), announced the investigation of two suspected cases of monkeypox in the New York State. Preliminary tests at the NYCDOHMH Public Health Laboratory ruled out one of the cases. NYSDOH alerted New York health care providers to have information about initial case reporting and testing, which can be performed at the NYSDOH Wadsworth Center laboratory, should any of their patients exhibit symptoms consistent with monkey pox.

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that does not usually cause serious illness, but can lead to hospitalization or death. New Yorkers experiencing symptoms consistent with monkeypox, such as characteristic rashes or lesions, should contact their health care provider for a risk assessment. This includes anyone who has traveled to countries where cases of monkeypox have been reported or has had contact with someone who has a similar rash or has been diagnosed with suspected or confirmed monkeypox.

Monkeypox symptoms include:

• A flu-like illness.
• Swelling of the lymph nodes.
• A rash or lesion on the face and body.

New Yorkers can learn more about monkeypox at health.ny.gov/Monkeypox

INFANTIL HEPATITIS

On April 21, 2022, the CDC issued a national health alert to notify clinicians and public health authorities about a group of children identified with hepatitis and adenovirus infection. The CDC advised all physicians to be vigilant for symptoms and to report any suspected cases of hepatitis of unknown origin to their local and state health departments.

NYSDOH, in collaboration with local and federal public health authorities, including the CDC, has been investigating cases of childhood hepatitis to determine if any may be related to illness that has been reported in Europe and the United States. According to the CDC, symptoms of liver inflammation that parents and guardians should be aware of include:

• Fever.
• Fatigue.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Abdominal pain.
• Dark urine.
• Light colored stools.
• Joint pain.
• Jaundice (yellow color of the skin).

New Yorkers can learn more about childhood hepatitis at health.ny.gov/PediatricHepatitis.

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