The New York Department of Health is investigating a possible case of monkeypox in New York after the first case in the United States recorded in Massachusetts

NEW YORK (WABC) – The New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is investigating a possible case of monkeypox.

This is the last thing we want to hear, many of us are suffering from PTSD 2020.

But smallpox monkeys get infected harder than COVID. This requires close contact or sharing of body fluids.

Symptoms include fever and rash, muscle aches and chills.

Worldwide, deadly in 3-6% of cases.

Mortality is less than 1% in areas with quality health care.

It is the largest outbreak outside of Africa.

One of the suspects is here at Bellevue Hospital.

It comes after a confirmed case in Massachusetts.

The virus is endemic in Central and West Africa and is rare outside the continent.

Usually the cases are related to travel, but many of the recent cases in Europe in North America have been reported in people who have recently traveled, meaning the virus is spreading locally.

However, doctors say not to worry, but be aware instead.

“First of all, it spreads through very close contact. It can spread through the air, but unlike COVID, which can spread over long distances and hang in the air for a long time, we don’t believe that’s the case with this virus, ”said Dr. Jay Warma, an epidemiologist.

Health officials are monitoring the contacts in hopes of limiting the spread.

RELATED | Health officials confirm that the first case of smallpox in the United States this year was reported in Massachusetts

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