TOMPKINS COUNTY, N.Y.—The Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) has identified a second case of monkeypox in a county resident.
The TCHD and New York State health department have worked together to complete the case investigation, which found that there are no local close contacts. The county health department is still asking residents to remain aware of symptoms and take protective steps to reduce infection risk.
Monkeypox is a rare viral infection that, left untreated, can cause illness, hospitalization and infrequently, death. The risk of contracting the virus is low to the general public, but the TCHD still urges that residents seek evaluation as soon as possible if symptoms arise.
As of July 28, New York State has 1,341 confirmed cases, with 1,251 of them found in New York City. A full county list of cases can be found here.
Monkeypox is spread through close physical contact including skin-to-skin with an infected individual or being within three feet of an infected individual (especially if they’re coughing) as respiratory droplets and oral fluids are contagious.
More information on symptoms can be found here.