EXPLAINER: What is monkeypox and should New Yorkers be worried?

New Yorkers are hearing about a potential new infectious disease threat from monkeypox just as the city is grappling with a summer surge of COVID cases.

Unlike COVID, no New Yorkers have died in the monkeypox outbreak. But doctors say there is still reason to be concerned.

Here’s what you need to know:

Monkeypox is a rare disease that belongs to the same virus family as smallpox.

The viral contagion was first discovered in research monkeys in 1958 — hence the name. However, the first infection in a human was discovered in 1970 in a small child in the Democratic Republic of the Congo according to the World Health Organization.

Monkeypox primarily occurs in central and west Africa, often in proximity to tropical rainforests, and has been increasingly appearing in urban areas.

Prior to the 2022 outbreak, nearly all monkeypox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs, or through imported animals.

According to the WHO, the first onset of symptoms usually occurs within the first five days of infection including fever, intense headache, muscle aches and lack of energy.

The second set of symptoms begins within 1-3 days of the onset of fever and includes a rash concentrated on the face, hands, and feet. It can also appear in or on the mouth, genitalia and eyes. The rash turns into small lesions, similar to chickenpox, which eventually clears.

Most people recover within about two to four weeks without the need for hospitalization.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, monkeypox is rarely fatal.

No. Unlike COVID, monkeypox is not a respiratory illness and according to the CDC, the virus can spread from person-to-person including:

• direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
• respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
• touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids
• pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta

Health officials do not know the exact origin, but previous outbreaks started with travel from Africa or imports of animals from the region.

The outbreak is spreading much more widely among men who have sex with other men but doctors stress the virus is no more likely to infect the LGBTQ community than anyone else.

The outbreak apparently began spreading much more widely after sexual activity at two recent spring party events in Europe that were popular with gay men.

Monkeypox generally responds well to treatment and doctors recommend that suspected patients be isolated to avoid spread.

Vaccines for smallpox are effective at preventing infection and can also be given to patients who already have the disease. It limits symptoms and reduces the chance of serious illness or death.

A two-dose vaccine called Jynneos is licensed to prevent smallpox and specifically to prevent monkeypox. Supplies are extremely limited but the U.S. is working to swiftly acquire more vaccines.

The city has identified 111 cases of monkeypox as of July 6, a large chunk of the approximately 600 cases in the U.S.

That’s still a relatively small number but many cases are likely going undetected. And the New York City numbers doubled in just the past couple of weeks.

The city appears to have gotten off to a slow start in making vaccines available but is trying to play catch up, obtaining some 6,000 doses this week.

It is offering free vaccination through the MedRite chain of urgent care clinics and says anyone in a high-risk group like men who have sex with men or multiple partners is eligible for the shot.

However, New Yorkers say appointments have been hard to find and the city admits the clinics are booked solid till next week.