State Department of Health Announces Online Resources On Monkeypox and Pediatric Hepatitis for New Yorkers

Includes Information and Resources on Case Investigation, Symptoms, and Transmission to Keep the Public and Providers Updated

Visit health.ny.gov/Monkeypox and health.ny.gov/PediatricHepatitis

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 24, 2022) – The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) today announced two new webpages to provide New Yorkers with information on monkeypox and pediatric hepatitis. The new sites include the status of each public health investigation in New York State as well as information on symptoms, transmission, and trustworthy resources from national and global health authorities.

"As we investigate suspected cases of monkeypox and pediatric hepatitis, we will continue to communicate openly with New Yorkers and New York providers," said State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. "This means sharing accessible, digestible public information. While the current risk to the general public is low, these new webpages will help New Yorkers remain alert and vigilant. I encourage all New Yorkers and our local public health partners to use these resources to stay educated about these emerging public health issues."

On May 20, 2022, NYSDOH, working with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH), announced the investigation of two suspected cases of monkeypox in New York State. Preliminary testing at NYCDOHMH's Public Health Lab ruled out one of the cases. NYSDOH alerted New York health care providers so they have information regarding reporting and initial case testing – which can be performed at NYSDOH's Wadsworth Center laboratory – should any of their patients present with symptoms consistent with monkeypox.

Monkeypox is a rare viral illness that does not usually cause serious illness, but can result in hospitalization or death. New Yorkers who experience symptoms consistent with monkeypox, such as characteristic rashes or lesions, should contact their health care provider for a risk assessment. This includes anyone who traveled to countries where monkeypox cases have been reported or has had contact with a someone who has a similar rash or received a diagnosis of suspected or confirmed monkeypox. Symptoms of monkeypox include:

  • A flu-like illness
  • Swelling of the lymph nodes
  • A rash or lesion on the face and body

On April 21, 2022, CDC issued a nationwide health alert to notify clinicians and public health authorities about a cluster of children identified with hepatitis and adenovirus infection, advising all physicians to be on the lookout for symptoms and to report any suspected cases of hepatitis of unknown origin to their local and state health departments. NYSDOH, working with local and federal public health authorities including CDC, has been investigating cases of pediatric hepatitis to determine if any may be related to the illness that has been reported in Europe and the United States. According to CDC, symptoms of liver inflammation, which parents and guardians should remain aware of, include:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dark urine
  • Light-colored stools
  • Joint pain
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)

Parents and guardians should keep children up to date on all of their vaccinations, including the COVID-19 vaccine. New Yorkers can also help children take everyday actions to help prevent disease, including washing hands often, avoiding people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and teaching children to avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.

NYSDOH encourages New Yorkers, providers, and local and community-based public health partners to stay educated on these public health issues so they can best protect themselves, their communities, and the patients they care for.

New Yorkers can learn more about monkeypox health.ny.gov/Monkeypox and pediatric hepatitis at health.ny.gov/PediatricHepatitis.