CDC: New York is 'epicenter' of US monkeypox outbreak, more vaccines coming

New York is the 'epicenter' of the US monkeypox outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As of July 12, 2022, a total of 288 confirmed orthopoxvirus/monkeypox cases have been reported.
The following is a breakdown by county:
  • 267 in New York City
  • 11 in Westchester County
  • 4 in Suffolk County
  • 1 in Nassau County
  • 1 in Sullivan County
  • 1 in Chemung County
  • 1 in Rockland County
  • 1 in Erie County
  • 1 in St. Lawrence County
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) announced Tuesday that additional 5,398 JYNNEOS vaccine doses are coming to the state from the CDC. Of the 5,398 new doses, 1,750 will be distributed to Suffolk County, 1,490 to Westchester County, 1,240 to Nassau County, and 620 to Saratoga County. Rockland and Sullivan counties, which received 40 doses each in the original allocations, received the 40 doses needed to complete those courses, but no additional doses in this Phase 2, as no additional cases have been reported in those counties. An additional 218 doses from the Phase 2 CDC distribution will be allocated by the department as future vaccine needs arise in other counties.
Officials say while New Yorkers should not be alarmed, everyone should stay informed about monkeypox. This means understanding the symptoms, how it spreads, and what to do if you are exposed.