Canton, NY — St. Lawrence County Public Health Director Jolene Munger and County Administrator Ruth Doyle announce that a county resident has been diagnosed with Orthopoxvirus/Monkeypox.
Testing for orthopoxvirus was conducted at the NYS's Wadsworth Center Laboratory. This confirmed case is limited to one individual who has not had any contact with anyone locally and poses no risk to county residents.
As of July 11, 2022, a total of 238 confirmed orthopoxvirus/monkeypox cases - a designation established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - have been identified with 223 in New York City, 7 in Westchester County, 4 in Suffolk County, 1 in Nassau County, 1 in Sullivan County, 1 in Chemung County, and 1 in Rockland County.
Monkeypox is a rare viral illness that does not usually cause serious illness but may result in hospitalization or death. Monkeypox cases in this outbreak have involved a rash (often in the genital and peri-anal regions), and may also include other symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and pain when swallowing, before or after the rash appearance. Most infections last two to four weeks.
Those who experience symptoms consistent with monkeypox, such as characteristic rashes or lesions, should contact their health care provider for a risk assessment. This includes anyone who traveled to locations where monkeypox cases have been reported or has had contact with someone who has a similar rash or received a diagnosis of suspected or confirmed monkeypox.
People can take basic steps to prevent the spread of monkeypox. If you have an unexplained rash, sores or other symptoms, see your health care provider. Keep the rash covered and avoid sex or being intimate with anyone until you have been checked out. Standard household cleaners and detergents are effective at cleaning environmental surfaces and linens.
"In addition to the improved skills in tracking and monitoring during the COVID-19 response, I would like to assure county residents that our Health Department is well prepared to track and manage this situation and respond accordingly," said County Administrator Ruth Doyle.
"The St. Lawrence County Public Health Department is closely monitoring this case, which at this time, is limited to just one individual. There is no identified risk to any county residents. As we have shown over the years, staff at our local health department remains ready to prevent, promote and protect our community and promptly inform our residents to safeguard their health," said Jolene Munger, Director.
County residents can learn more about Monkeypox at the New York State Department of Health's website at health.ny.gov/monkeypox.
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