First probable monkeypox case detected in New Jersey, Health Department says

Trenton Bureau

The Department of Health announced the first probable case of monkeypox in New Jersey on Monday but stressed that the risk of spread remains low.

A test conducted by the state’s Public Health and Environmental Laboratories confirmed the presence of orthopoxvirus in a North Jersey resident on June 18. A test confirming the monkeypox virus will be done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to a statement released by the Health Department.

The infected person is isolating at home, and the local health department is performing contact tracing to identify anyone who may have been exposed.

While the state said that they would release no further details to maintain patient confidentiality, posts on the Jersey City official social media accounts said that "The NJ Health Dept has confirmed the first case of monkey pox in Jersey City" and that city health officials are "working closely with the CDC."

The Health Department said most residents are not at risk of infection with monkeypox, a rare virus that can spread through close prolonged contact with an infected person or animal, such as contact with lesions or bodily fluids or through respiratory droplets.

This 1997 image provided by CDC, shows the right arm and torso of a patient, whose skin displayed a number of lesions due to what had been an active case of monkeypox. As more cases of monkeypox are detected in Europe and North America in 2022, some scientists who have monitored numerous outbreaks in Africa say they are baffled by the unusual disease's spread in developed countries. (CDC via AP)

According to the CDC, on Friday there were 113 confirmed cases of monkeypox in 20 states and the District of Columbia. World health officials have said they expect case counts to grow but a pandemic is unlikely.

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Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches and exhaustion and can present one to two weeks after infection. New Jersey residents with flu-like illness, swelling of lymph nodes and rash occurring on the face and body should contact their health care provider, the department said.

Katie Sobko is a reporter in the New Jersey Statehouse. For unlimited access to her work covering New Jersey’s governor and political power structure, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: sobko@northjersey.com

Twitter: @katesobko