Health Department Investigating Possible Monkeypox Case in New York City

May 19, 2022 — The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is investigating a possible case of monkeypox in New York City. The patient is being cared for at NYC Health + Hospitals / Bellevue. All the appropriate isolation protocols are being followed. The Health Department’s Public Health Lab will conduct preliminary tests, which — if positive — will be sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmatory testing.

The Department’s epidemiologists will follow up with any individual who may have been in contact with the patient while infectious.

Monkeypox is uncommon in the U.S., but — in the rare circumstance where a positive case is identified — usually presents as a flu-like illness accompanied by swelling of the lymph nodes and followed by rash on the face and body.

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MEDIA CONTACT: PressOffice@health.nyc.gov