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New York State Department of Health

News
Live Bird Markets Shut Down In Westchester To Stop Avian Flu Spread Live Bird Markets Shut Down In Westchester To Stop Avian Flu Spread
Live Bird Markets Shut Down In Westchester To Stop Avian Flu Spread New York officials are taking aggressive action to stop the spread of bird flu. An order issued by the Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) on Friday, Feb. 7, directed live bird markets in New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties to close for five days, Gov. Hochul’s office said. The emergency measure comes after health officials confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)–or bird flu–has been detected at seven live bird markets in Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx since Friday, Jan. 31. Outbreaks have also been confirmed in Suffolk and Ulster counties, as D…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
COVID-19: Health Department Urges NYers To Get Vaccine As Respiratory Illness Season Starts COVID-19: Health Department Urges NYers To Get Vaccine As Respiratory Illness Season Starts
Covid-19: Health Department Urges NYers To Get Vaccine As Respiratory Illness Season Starts With respiratory illness season underway, the New York State Department of Health is actively urging residents aged 6 months and older to get the latest COVID-19 vaccine.  This recommendation aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recent update, which emphasizes the importance of a second dose of the 2024-2025 vaccine for older adults and those at higher risk. The CDC now advises that adults aged 65 and older, along with individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, should receive a second dose six months after their initial vaccination. This u…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
COVID-19: NYers Should Order Free At-Home Tests, Officials Say COVID-19: NYers Should Order Free At-Home Tests, Officials Say
Covid-19: NYers Should Order Free At-Home Tests, Officials Say As the season for respiratory illnesses begins, New York health officials are urging residents to take advantage of free COVID-19 test kits being offered by the federal government.  In an announcement on Friday, Oct. 4, the New York State Department of Health advised New Yorkers to order free rapid test kits, which are being offered to US households through the US Postal Service.  Each household can receive four at-home test kits, the government announced on Friday, Sept. 27.  Earlier Report - Covid-19: Free At-Home Tests Are Now Available To Order Online While Supplie…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Hudson Valley Resident Dies From Rare Mosquito Virus; 'Imminent Threat To Public' Declared Hudson Valley Resident Dies From Rare Mosquito Virus; 'Imminent Threat To Public' Declared
Hudson Valley Resident Dies From Rare Mosquito Virus; 'Imminent Threat To Public' Declared A New York resident has died days after contracting the state’s first human case of a rare but serious mosquito-borne virus in nearly a decade. The Ulster County resident died from complications stemming from eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office confirmed on Monday, Sept. 23. It marks the first human case of EEE in New York State since 2015. Earlier Report: Human Case Of Severe Mosquito-Borne Virus Confirmed In Ulster County, First In NY Since 2015 “We’ve been informed this patient has passed away from EEE, we extend our sympathies and our hearts go out t…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Human Case Of Potentially Deadly Mosquito-Borne Virus Confirmed For First In NY Since 2015 Human Case Of Potentially Deadly Mosquito-Borne Virus Confirmed For First In NY Since 2015
Human Case Of Potentially Deadly Mosquito-Borne Virus Confirmed For First In NY Since 2015 For the first time in a decade, health officials in New York confirmed a human case of a rare but serious mosquito-borne disease. Click here for updated story: Ulster County Resident Dies From EEE Virus; State Declares 'Imminent Threat To Public' In Ulster County, the New York State Department of Health confirmed that a resident was hospitalized after testing positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEE), the agency announced Friday, Sept. 20. It marks the first human case of EEE in New York State since 2015. The Ulster County Department of Health is investigating. Earlier …

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by Michael Mashburn
News
COVID-19: NY Hospitalizations Well Above Same Period Last Year Amid Increase In Virus Activity COVID-19: NY Hospitalizations Well Above Same Period Last Year Amid Increase In Virus Activity
Covid-19: NY Hospitalizations Well Above Same Period Last Year Amid Increase In Virus Activity As new highly contagious COVID-19 variants emerge, authorities are reporting that statewide hospitalizations in New York have significantly increased compared to the same period last summer. With social gatherings increasing during the summer months and high temperatures forcing people indoors, New York Gov. Kathy Hocul stated on Saturday, July 6, that New Yorkers should get tested if they have symptoms.  In addition, they should also follow the usual precautions, including current CDC guidance, stay current with COVID vaccines, and seek appropriate treatments if necessary. “While we …

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by Joe Lombardi
News
2 People Exposed To Rabid Cow In Upstate NY 2 People Exposed To Rabid Cow In Upstate NY
2 People Exposed To Rabid Cow In Upstate NY A rare case of people being exposed to a cow with rabies occurred in a hamlet in upstate New York. It happened late last week in Lee Center, located near the city of Rome in Oneida County. The cow was sent to a New York State Department of Health center for testing and the test results came back positive, the Oneida County Health Department said.  Two people were exposed to the cow and have received post-exposure prophylaxis, the department said. Signs of rabies include: Animal acting strangely Animal acting mad Animal acting shy The animal may get unusually close Drooling or…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Westchester Ambulette Company To Shut Down Due To Financial Hardship Westchester Ambulette Company To Shut Down Due To Financial Hardship
Westchester Ambulette Company To Shut Down Due To Financial Hardship As a result of financial hardship, a Northern Westchester-based ambulette service will soon shut down, affecting hundreds of daily medical trips.  Mount Kisco-based United Transportation Providers of Westchester County, Inc. will be shutting down its ambulette services for Westchester residents with serious medical conditions and mobility difficulties at the end of the day on Friday, March 8, the company announced.  The decision to end services came as a result of financial hardship. According to the company, the service cannot continue to operate while being reimbursed at 30 perc…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
3 Charged After Seizure Of Thousands Of Cannabis Products From 2 Westchester Shops: Police 3 Charged After Seizure Of Thousands Of Cannabis Products From 2 Westchester Shops: Police
3 Charged After Seizure Of Thousands Of Cannabis Products From 2 Westchester Shops: Police Three people face charges following an inspection of two convenience stores in Westchester that were found to be selling thousands of prohibited cannabis products without a license, police announced.  The arrests stemmed from regulatory inspections of two convenience stores in Hartsdale conducted by authorities on Wednesday, Jan. 10, Greenburgh Police announced on Thursday, Jan. 11.  The two stores, which were not named by police, were located at:  4 North Central Ave.; 205 East Hartsdale Ave.  According to authorities, the inspections resulted in the seizure of t…

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by Ben Crnic
News
RSV Cases Spike Past COVID-19, Flu In NY RSV Cases Spike Past COVID-19, Flu In NY
RSV Cases Spike Past Covid-19, Flu In NY Health officials are urging New Yorkers to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations as cases of RSV have skyrocketed past cases of the flu and COVID-19. On Wednesday, Nov. 29, the New York State Department of Health urged eligible New Yorkers to get vaccinated against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The recommendation was published alongside data comparing the number of RSV cases alongside COVID-19 and flu cases across the state. From Saturday, Oct. 21 to Saturday, Nov. 25, COVID-19 cases dropped from around 200 cases to just over 150, while the flu increased from under 50 to around…

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by Sophie Grieser
Lifestyle
'Prepare With Care': Health Officials Urge Food Safety Ahead Of Thanksgiving 'Prepare With Care': Health Officials Urge Food Safety Ahead Of Thanksgiving
'Prepare With Care': Health Officials Urge Food Safety Ahead Of Thanksgiving As millions of New Yorkers prepare to cook their Thanksgiving feasts, health officials are urging people to remember the tenants of food safety. The New York State health and agriculture departments offered up several tips to help keep family and friends safe from foodborne illness this holiday season. “The Department works hard all year long to ensure the safety of our food supply at our stores and food manufacturing facilities, but food safety is also so important at home,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Richard Ball. “We urge everyone who is cooking for their loved ones this Thanksgiv…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
COVID-19 Cases On Rise: Spike Reported In Hudson Valley COVID-19 Cases On Rise: Spike Reported In Hudson Valley
Covid-19 Cases On Rise: Spike Reported In Hudson Valley Health officials are urging residents in a Hudson Valley county to take precautions as COVID-19 cases rise, which has caused an increase in hospitalizations.  The spike in COVID-19 has been seen in Putnam County, which has experienced a 113 percent rise in cases since the previous reporting week, the county's Department of Health announced on Friday, Sept. 8.  According to county health officials, reported cases increased from 69 to 147. Additionally, Putnam Hospital has seen eight admissions as a result of the virus, which is the highest number since February, according to the de…

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by Ben Crnic
News
COVID-19: FDA Approves Updated Booster Shots Targeting New Variants COVID-19: FDA Approves Updated Booster Shots Targeting New Variants
Covid-19: FDA Approves Updated Booster Shots Targeting New Variants Health officials are one step closer to rolling out updated COVID-19 vaccines just in time for a rise in cases heading into the fall and winter months. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved new vaccines on Monday, Sept. 11, that are meant to better target currently circulating COVID-19 variants and provide better protection against hospitalization and death, the agency announced. Monday’s move affects vaccines manufactured by Moderna and Pfizer. The updated mRNA vaccines are each approved for people ages 12 and older and are authorized under emergency use for children ages 6 mo…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
COVID-19: Hospitalizations In NY Increasing; Health Officials Urge Treatment Options COVID-19: Hospitalizations In NY Increasing; Health Officials Urge Treatment Options
Covid-19: Hospitalizations In NY Increasing; Health Officials Urge Treatment Options Health officials in New York are warning of an uptick in COVID-19 hospitalizations, mirroring a similar trend seen across the country. The latest data shows that COVID-related hospital admissions for the week ending Wednesday, Aug. 2, increased 22 percent over the previous week, according to the New York State Department of Health. Hospitalizations are now at 0.6 per 100,000 residents on average, translating to more than 100 admissions per day. Earlier Report: COVID-19: Summertime Uptick In Cases, Hospitalizations Reported By CDC During that same period, the number of reported COVI…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
New Update - Smoky Skies: Air Quality Health Advisory Extended To All NY New Update - Smoky Skies: Air Quality Health Advisory Extended To All NY
New Update - Smoky Skies: Air Quality Health Advisory Extended To All NY As smoke from Canadian wildfires moves east, every part of New York State will be covered in unhealthy air, according to authorities and new forecasts. On Wednesday, June 28, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the air quality health advisory has now been extended to the entire state of New York, now including eastern parts of state, as smoke continues to worsen and the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches unhealthy levels. Related: Air Quality To Worsen In Coming Days: Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area According to the State Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health, a…

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by Sophie Grieser
Weather
Smoky Skies Ahead: New Yorkers Advised To Prepare For Hazardous Air From Canadian Wildfires Smoky Skies Ahead: New Yorkers Advised To Prepare For Hazardous Air From Canadian Wildfires
Smoky Skies Ahead: New Yorkers Advised To Prepare For Hazardous Air From Canadian Wildfires Click here for a new, updated story: Air Quality To Worsen In Coming Days: Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area A new air quality forecast predicted a large amount of near-surface smoke that will cover most of the state of New York, according to an announcement by the governor. Gov. Kathy Hochul warned New Yorkers of a potentially thick blanket of smoke expected to cover the state starting Wednesday, June 28 as the Canadian wildfires continue to burn. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s forecast predicts that, due to a cold front entering the no…

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by Sophie Grieser
News
'It Takes Two': NYers Urged To Get Mpox Vaccine; Here’s Where To Find Westchester Clinics 'It Takes Two': NYers Urged To Get Mpox Vaccine; Here’s Where To Find Westchester Clinics
'It Takes Two': NYers Urged To Get Mpox Vaccine; Here’s Where To Find Westchester Clinics Health officials in New York are hoping that a new campaign encouraging residents to complete their mpox vaccine will help prevent another outbreak ahead of summer. The statewide campaign kicked off Monday, May 1, and includes digital ads on websites, posters in stores and communities, and social media posts, according to the New York State Department of Health (DOH). Earlier Report: NY Declares Monkeypox 'Imminent Threat To Public Health' Amid New Rise In Cases Images center around two themes: “It takes two” and “Know the skin you’re in.” Mpox is a rare, viral infection that spreads thr…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Polio Confirmed In Wastewater In Hudson Valley For First Time In Months Polio Confirmed In Wastewater In Hudson Valley For First Time In Months
Polio Confirmed In Wastewater In Hudson Valley For First Time In Months The polio virus has been discovered in Hudson Valey wastewater for the first time in months, according to state officials. The New York State Department of Health confirmed the presence of poliovirus in Rockland County wastewater for the first time since October. This single positive result was collected in February and has so far been followed by non-detections in wastewater samples, but unvaccinated residents should still act now to protect themselves, said Rockland County officials.  Rockland officials are also reminding residents who are not vaccinated to do so with increased trav…

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by Kathy Reakes
Lifestyle
Need A New Year's Resolution? Here's A Good One, NY Health Officials Say Need A New Year's Resolution? Here's A Good One, NY Health Officials Say
Need A New Year's Resolution? Here's A Good One, NY Health Officials Say State health officials have a suggestion for those struggling to come up with a new year’s resolution: kick the habit of smoking e-cigarettes and vaping. In a statement Friday, Dec. 30, the New York State Department of Health urged residents to stop using the “highly addictive and dangerous” products. “According to research, both e-cigarette users and those who are exposed to secondhand emissions may experience long-term health issues,” State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett said. “I encourage New Yorkers who use e-cigarettes to ring in the New Year by making a resolution to quit usi…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
NY Nursing Home Employee Sexually Assaulted Resident, Boss Covered Up Crime, DA Says NY Nursing Home Employee Sexually Assaulted Resident, Boss Covered Up Crime, DA Says
NY Nursing Home Employee Sexually Assaulted Resident, Boss Covered Up Crime, DA Says A former employee at a New York nursing home accused of sexually assaulting a resident had multiple complaints against him, yet his boss actively worked to conceal his abuse, prosecutors allege. The assault occurred at Long Island’s Fulton Commons Care Center, located in East Meadow, according to an indictment announced by Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday, Nov. 30. Prosecutors said Daniel Persaud, a former licensed practical nurse at Fulton Commons, sexually assaulted a female resident in the fall of 2020. According to the indictment, the facility’s director of nursing, Carol F…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
COVID-19: Westchester County Health Dept. To Distribute 5,600 Air Purifiers To Area Schools COVID-19: Westchester County Health Dept. To Distribute 5,600 Air Purifiers To Area Schools
Covid-19: Westchester County Health Dept. To Distribute 5,600 Air Purifiers To Area Schools Health officials in Westchester County are set to distribute thousands of air purifiers to area school districts this month in an effort to protect students, teachers, and staff from COVID-19. The Westchester County Department of Health will distribute more than 5,600 air purifiers to 31 school districts in October, county officials announced on Tuesday, Oct. 4. The health department purchased Fellowes AeraMax Pro AM3S PC Air Purifiers, which health officials reported are "proven to remove over 99.99% of COVID-19 particles from the air." The department used $5.2 million in federal fun…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
NY Declares Polio State Of Emergency After Virus Detected In Several New Counties NY Declares Polio State Of Emergency After Virus Detected In Several New Counties
NY Declares Polio State Of Emergency After Virus Detected In Several New Counties New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency Friday, Sept. 9, after polio was found in more wastewater samples. The executive order will immediately expand the network of polio vaccine administrators with the addition of EMS workers, midwives, and pharmacies. It also authorizes doctors and certified nurse practitioners to issue standing orders for polio vaccines, the governor's office said. We're making it easier for New Yorkers to get their polio vaccine if they haven't already received it.@HealthNYGov is ramping up its vaccination efforts and EMTs, midwives, and pha…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
COVID-19: New Booster Shots Targeting Omicron Variant Approved By FDA COVID-19: New Booster Shots Targeting Omicron Variant Approved By FDA
Covid-19: New Booster Shots Targeting Omicron Variant Approved By FDA It’s time to roll up your sleeve and get another COVID-19 vaccine. On Wednesday, Aug. 31, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated versions of COVID booster shots made by Pfizer and Moderna that target the highly contagious BA.5 Omicron subvariant. The updated vaccine boosters are designed to give people broad protection against COVID and can help protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death, the FDA said in a statement. Pfizer’s modified booster was authorized for people ages 12 and older, while Moderna’s shot was approved for those 18 and up. People who…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
New CDC Report Shows Polio Spreading In Hudson Valley New CDC Report Shows Polio Spreading In Hudson Valley
New CDC Report Shows Polio Spreading In Hudson Valley A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that polio has been spreading in parts of the Hudson Valley for months. The CDC said the New York State Department of Health was notified on Monday, July 18, that an unvaccinated young adult from Rockland County tested positive for polio. The patient was hospitalized with possible acute flaccid myelitis, a serious neurologic condition that causes muscle weakness. Since then, related polioviruses have been detected in Rockland and Orange counties. As of Wednesday, Aug. 10, 260 wastewater samples from trea…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
This Hudson Valley County Has Reported Its First Monkeypox Case This Hudson Valley County Has Reported Its First Monkeypox Case
This Hudson Valley County Has Reported Its First Monkeypox Case A Hudson Valley county has confirmed its first monkeypox case. The Putnam County Health Department made the announcement on Thursday, Aug. 11. “Communicable disease staff at the health department have now completed investigation of the first monkeypox case in Putnam County," Health Commissioner Michael Nesheiwat said. "The risk of contracting the disease for the general public remains low." Nesheiwat the virus is mainly spread through direct contact with a rash or sores on an individual who is infected, and it can also spread through contact with items used by a person with monkeypox or fr…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
Polio Virus Identified In Wastewater Samples Taken In Two Locations In Hudson Valley Polio Virus Identified In Wastewater Samples Taken In Two Locations In Hudson Valley
Polio Virus Identified In Wastewater Samples Taken In Two Locations In Hudson Valley State health officials have confirmed that the polio virus was found in more wastewater samples in the Hudson Valley. The Orange County Department of Health said it has been advised by the state health department that the virus was identified in wastewater samples taken from June and July in two geographically different locations in Orange County. Earlier Report: Polio Found In Wastewater In Rockland County, Health Dept. Urges Vaccinations The samples were initially collected from municipal wastewater treatment plants across Orange County for COVID-19 testing. County officials said there…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
NY Declares Monkeypox 'Imminent Threat To Public Health' Amid New Rise In Cases NY Declares Monkeypox 'Imminent Threat To Public Health' Amid New Rise In Cases
NY Declares Monkeypox 'Imminent Threat To Public Health' Amid New Rise In Cases Amid a new increase in cases in New York, the state's health commissioner has declared the monkeypox virus "an imminent threat to public health." "Based on the ongoing spread of this virus, which has increased rapidly and affected primarily communities that identify as men who have sex with men, and the need for local jurisdictions to administer vaccines, I've declared monkeypox an Imminent Threat to Public Health throughout New York State," State Commissioner of Health Dr. Mary T. Bassett said.  The dedication means local health departments will be able to access additional state reim…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
'Significant' Cancer Levels Discovered In NY School District, Report Says 'Significant' Cancer Levels Discovered In NY School District, Report Says
'Significant' Cancer Levels Discovered In NY School District, Report Says A study has found that people living near or who attend school in a New York school district had "significant" higher cancer incidents. The study found the number of residents of all ages living within the Northport-East Northport School District had a "statistically significant," higher rate of cancer, reported ABC 7 Eyewitness News. The types of cancer found in excess included pancreatic cancer, malignant melanoma of the skin, uterine (corpus) cancer, and prostate cancer," the study said. The study also found that people living within the area of Northport Middle School had particularly …

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by Kathy Reakes
News
First Case Of Monkeypox Identified In Westchester First Case Of Monkeypox Identified In Westchester
First Case Of Monkeypox Identified In Westchester As the number of monkeypox cases continues to expand across the state, the first reported case in Westchester County has been confirmed, bringing the suspected case count statewide to 21. The latest number from the state Department of Health includes 19 monkeypox cases in New York City and one case each in Westchester and Sullivan counties. "The Westchester County Department of Health was notified that the first individual from Westchester County has been confirmed to have orthopoxvirus also known as Monkeypox," said Catherine Cioffi, director of communications for the department. …

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by Kathy Reakes
News
New Monkeypox Cases Confirmed In NY New Monkeypox Cases Confirmed In NY
New Monkeypox Cases Confirmed In NY New monkeypox cases have been identified in New York. The New York State Department of Health said on Monday, June 13 that the number of confirmed cases this year is 11, with 10 in New York City and one in Sullivan County. The cases have been confirmed through testing for orthopoxvirus, the department said, adding that "from a public health perspective, it's important to treat these as probable monkeypox cases because": The monkeypox virus belongs to the orthopoxvirus family; The rarity of orthopoxvirus, generally; The presentation of symptoms, in confirmed orthopoxvirus cases, being cons…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
First Probable Monkeypox Case In New York State Outside NYC Confirmed In Region First Probable Monkeypox Case In New York State Outside NYC Confirmed In Region
First Probable Monkeypox Case In New York State Outside NYC Confirmed In Region State health officials have confirmed the first case of monkeypox outside New York City has been diagnosed in a patient in the region.  The infected person is located in Sullivan County, the first case beyond NYC, the New York State Department of Health announced on Tuesday, June 7. The Sullivan County Health Department is treating this as a probable monkeypox case, and contact tracing efforts are underway, department of health officials aid. As of Tuesday, a total of nine confirmed orthopoxvirus/monkeypox cases have been identified in the state, including eight in New York City. "As…

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by Kathy Reakes