Monkeypox cases reported in Monroe County rises to 16

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The New York State Department of Health reported on Wednesday that Monroe County has seen 16 confirmed Monkeypox cases. Monroe County has the most of any upstate county except for Erie, which has seen 19 cases.

You can explore the state’s data here.

Downstate, cases are much higher. Westchester County has the most in the state excluding New York City, with 89 cases. That’s followed by Suffolk County, which includes Long Island, at 72.

Monkeypox is a rare, viral infection that does not usually cause serious illness. However, it can result in hospitalization. You can learn more about monkeypox here.

Monkeypox spreads through close, physical contact between people. This means anyone can get monkeypox. However, based on the current outbreak, certain populations are being affected by monkeypox more than others, including men who have sex with men. Based on previous outbreaks of monkeypox around the world, some groups may also be at heightened risk for severe outcomes. This includes people with weakened immune systems, elderly people, young children under 8 years of age, and pregnant women.

New Yorkers who experience symptoms consistent with monkeypox, such as rashes or lesions, should contact their health care provider for a risk assessment.