Suffolk to announce monkeypox vaccine rollout; Nassau confirms county’s first case – News 12 New Jersey

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced earlier this week that this global outbreak is primarily affecting the gay community at this point – specifically gay and bisexual men. However, health officials stress anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox is at risk.

According to the CDC, there are 700 confirmed cases of monkeypox across the United States. More than 150 of them are in New York state, according to the Health Department.

Monkeypox is similar to smallpox but more mild. Symptoms include fever, headache and a rash that can look like pimples or blisters. The virus is spread by direct contact with someone who is infected or by touching clothing or bedding that an infected person has used. Health officials say there are already two vaccines available to protect people.

The state Health Department says Suffolk has received more doses of the vaccine than any region in the state outside of New York City.  Suffolk is planning to open pop-up vaccine clinics in Cherry Grove and the Fire Island Pines by next week.