Monkeypox cases surge in New York, prompting Tompkins County Whole Health to issue alert and vaccine information

ITHACA, N.Y. — Tompkins County Whole Health issued a health alert Monday warning residents of an increase in cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, in New York state after 26 new cases were detected in New York City from July 7 to Aug. 3.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global public health emergency over a new strain and subsequent outbreak of mpox on Aug. 14. County and state health agencies have not recorded any cases of the new strain in Tompkins County or the Southern Tier region as of Aug. 21, according to the alert.

The sheeppox virus is spread by close physical contact, including direct skin contact with lesions, sores, or rashes that form as a result of infection. The virus is also spread by contact with dressings and fabrics, such as bedding and clothing, that have touched the sores. These rashes may appear as bumps or blisters on or around the genitals or in other areas such as the hands, feet, chest, or face.

Case trends show that MPOX is spreading “most commonly among men who have sex with men, a group that includes people who identify as gay, bisexual, transgender and non-binary,” the alert says.

Symptoms of a mpox infection include swollen lymph nodes, flu-like fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, and fatigue, which may occur before or after the rash appears. In some cases, they may not appear at all. It may take up to 21 days after exposure for signs of infection to appear.

The Mpox virus is contagious from the onset of symptoms or rash until the scabs are “dry and fallen off” and the skin underneath is well healed, the alert says.

Four cases of MPOX caused by the original strain of the virus have been recorded as “confirmed or probable” in Tompkins County by the New York State Department of Health, according to data posted on the department’s website. None of the four cases were detected in the past week.

Whole Health recommended that residents 18 and older get the JYNNEOS mpox vaccine to “best prevent risk,” according to the alert. The vaccine is available to anyone, regardless of insurance status, at the agency’s Friday vaccination clinics, located at 55 Brown Road in Ithaca. The clinic opens at 9 a.m., closes for a noon break at 1 p.m., and then reopens until 4 p.m.

The vaccine prevents infection with both the new strain of MPOS that caused the most recent outbreak and the original strain that prompted the Biden administration to declare a national health emergency in 2022, after leaders of major cities with high infection rates, including New York and San Francisco, criticized the lack of federal support for their vaccination efforts.

The original strain of the MPOx virus infected hundreds of New Yorkers in 2022, mostly New York City residents. Governor Kathy Hochul issued an executive order on July 29 declaring the outbreak a national disaster in order to accelerate vaccination efforts in the state.

The day before, New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett had declared monkeypox an imminent threat to public health, allowing local health departments to access additional state reimbursements in the event federal funding became unavailable.

The 26 most recent cases identified in New York City were caused by the original strain of mpox, according to the alert. Since January 1, 2024, 307 people in New York City have tested positive for mpox as of August 8.

The new strain of mpox causes a rash that looks different than the rash caused by the original strain. The alert warns that internet searches for “mpox rash” may look different. Any new rash, bumps or suspicious blisters should be investigated by a healthcare professional.

If a person is concerned about their personal risk or has symptoms, healthcare providers, including those at sexual health clinics and urgent care centres, can conduct a risk assessment and identify appropriate action to take. This often includes taking a swab from a lesion to test for the virus. The person should self-isolate while waiting for their test results.

The alert urged local health care providers who suspect MPOX in patients to call Tompkins Whole Health to speak with a communicable disease nurse for further advice.

Treatments for people who meet the criteria and are infected with MPOX include antiviral medications, the alert says. Anyone without a health care provider or insurance who is looking for a local provider is encouraged to call 2-1-1 (1-877-211-8667).