CHENANGO COUNTY – On July 23, The World Health Organization declared the international  monkeypox outbreak  a global emergency. WHO officials said the global risk of monkeypox is moderate, but that it is high in certain parts of Europe, where most of the infections have been recorded. New York State Department of Health continues to monitor the current monkeypox outbreak.  

The Chenango County Department of Public Health is prepared to handle the situation should a case of monkeypox occur locally, including access to the vaccine.  Anyone who has had close physical contact with someone who has symptoms of monkeypox or has traveled to a country with confirmed cases of monkeypox or where monkeypox is endemic, is at risk for infection.  We would like to remind people not to report to work if they are exhibiting signs or symptoms of monkeypox and to call your healthcare provider.

The signs and symptoms of monkeypox can vary, but include: fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes, chills, vesicular/pustular rash that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other body parts, like the hands, feet, chest, or genitals.

Person-to-person transmission of monkeypox occurs through:

• Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids

• Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex

• Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids

• Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta

• Contact with infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.

For more information please visit: health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/zoonoses/monkeypox/

Persons with questions or requiring additional information may contact the Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1660.

– Information from Chenango Public Health Director Isaiah Sutton, MPH