Possible Monkeypox Infection Identified in NYC, Officials Say

The case of monkeypox reported in Massachusetts is being investigated in New York City.

The patient is being cared for at a hospital in Manhattan, according to the city's health department. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will send a confirmation of the positive test if it is positive.

We are investigating a possible case of monkeypox in NYC. The patient is being cared for at @BellevueHosp. Our Public Health Lab will conduct preliminary tests, which — if positive — will be sent to @CDCgov for confirmatory testing.

— nychealthy (@nycHealthy) May 19, 2022

The US identified its first case of the year on May 17 and the number of confirmed and suspected infections in the UK, Portugal and Spain has increased. A man who recently traveled to Canada has a case of monkeypox, according to the Massachusetts Health Department. According to the CDC, it is working with Massachusetts health officials to monitor the situation.

Should you be worried about the Monkeypox case found in the US?

Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness that usually begins with flu-like symptoms before progressing to a rash, which could be confused with sexually transmitted infections. According to the CDC, infections last from two to four weeks.