On August 6, the Vineland Health Department was notified by an area hospital of a laboratory test confirming the City of Vineland’s first positive test result for monkeypox, one of the viruses associated with the orthopoxvirus genus. Based on this notification an investigation and contact tracing was initiated by the health department and local public health officials.

The Department conducted contact tracing to identify any individuals who may have been exposed to the individual. No additional details related to the case will be released due to patient confidentiality.

Most New Jersey residents are not at risk of infection with monkeypox. Monkeypox is rare but can spread through close prolonged contact with an infected person or animal. This might include coming into contact with skin lesions, or body fluids, sharing clothes or other materials that have been used by someone who is infectious, or inhaling respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact.

In humans, monkeypox symptoms are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox, and begin with fever, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion seven to 14 days after infection, according to the CDC.

As a precaution, any New Jersey residents who experience flu-like illness with swelling of lymph nodes and rash occurring on the face and body should contact their healthcare provider.

A vaccine for monkeypox is available for high-risk contacts of an infected person and patients with monkeypox can also receive an antiviral treatment.”

Monkeypox spreads person-to-person in the following ways:

• Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids

• Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex

• Touching items, such as clothing or linens, that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids

• Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta

Monkeypox vaccines by appointment are available in southern New Jersey at The Cooper Vaccine & Testing Clinic, Cooper University Hospital, 300 Broadway, Camden New Jersey at the intersection of Broadway and MLK Boulevard. Phone is 856-968-7100.

To learn more about monkeypox, visit cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox.