SULLIVAN — The New York State Department of Health confirmed on Tuesday that the first individual orthopoxvirus case (Monkeypox) outside of New York City was detected in Sullivan County.

Testing for orthopoxvirus was conducted at the Department's Wadsworth Center Laboratory. The County Health Department is treating this as a probable monkeypox case, and contact tracing efforts are underway.

As of Tuesday, a total of nine confirmed orthopoxvirus-/monkeypox cases — a designation established by CDC — have been identified in New York State, including eight in New York City.

“As the risk for monkeypox remains low, we urge New Yorkers to be alert and seek care if you have symptoms consistent with monkeypox, as we continue to learn more about this virus," said State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. "Healthcare providers throughout the state have been notified, our Wadsworth Center public health lab will continue to test for orthopoxvirus, and we will work with local health departments and public health experts to protect New Yorkers.”

The State Department of Health has notified New York health care providers so they have information regarding reporting and case testing - which can be performed at the State Health Department's Wadsworth laboratory - should any of their patients present with symptoms consistent with monkeypox.

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 countries 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.

“In concert with the NYS Department of Health, we continue to closely monitor this case, which is limited to just one individual,” Sullivan County Public Health Director Nancy McGraw said. “There is no identified risk to any County residents, as the individual had traveled outside the USA and was no longer contagious by the time they returned to Sullivan County. As we have done with COVID-19, Sullivan County Public Health remains vigilant and ready to respond to communicable diseases of all types, and should there be any public health risk, we will promptly make notice to our residents and visitors.”