The first reported case of the monkeypox virus has been identified in a Tompkins County resident, county health officials reported Tuesday.
The county Health Department said their investigation concluded that there have been no local close contacts with the individual.
“We’re alerting the community to this first case and steps to reduce your personal risk. At this time the guidance is to take precautions to prevent infection and contact your health care provider right away if you suspect you may have come in contact with someone who has the disease or if you are experiencing symptoms," said Tompkins County Public Health Director Frank Kruppa in a statement.
Monkeypox is a rare viral infection that can cause severe illness, hospitalization and, rarely, death. The risk of contracting the disease for the general public is low.
As of Tuesday, there were 679 confirmed cases of monkeypox in New York state with the vast majority in New York City. The first case outside of the city was found in Sullivan County on June 7.
Additional monkeypox infections have been confirmed in Westchester, Suffolk, Nassau, Monroe, Erie, Chemung, Rockland and St. Lawrence counties.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said an additional 32,785 doses for the monkeypox vaccine will be coming to New York state this week.