Schenectady County’s first presumed case of monkeypox (orthopoxvirus) has been identified. Public health staff are currently investigating and following up according to CDC and NYS DOH guidelines. Based on the information available at this time the risk to the general public is low and all potential contacts are being notified.
“Our public health team continues to coordinate with the NYS DOH and CDC to stay up to date on monkeypox and ensure readiness should the virus spread within our community,” said Schenectady County Legislator Michelle Ostrelich, Chair of the Health, Housing & Human Services Committee. “We encourage residents to learn the signs and symptoms of monkeypox, how it spreads and what to do if exposed, so they can protect themselves and their families.”
Governor Hochul declared a state disaster emergency in response to the ongoing monkeypox outbreak on July 29. As of August 11, there have been over 2,100 confirmed cases of monkeypox in New York State.
For more information about monkeypox, including symptoms, prevention strategies, and how to get tested, visit www.schenectadycounty.com/monkeypox.