Tompkins County Whole Health On Alert for Mpox Cases

Tompkins County WHole Health (TCWH) is notifying the community that mpox cases are on the rise and is encouraging vaccinations for those at-risk.

On August 14th, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global public health emergency regarding a new outbreak of mpox that began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Travel to the CNY region picks up around this time of year, even internationally, so being proactive can help prevent future mpox cases.

While no new cases have been identified in the Tompkins-Cortland area, 26 new cases have appeared in New York City in August, all being the original strain. Symptoms include swollen lymph glands, rashes, bumps and blisters on the genitals, as well as flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches, and chills. 

People at risk of being infected should get vaccinated as soon as possible; if you have received one dose, it is advised to wait four weeks before getting a second dose. JYNNEOS, the mpox vaccination, is effective against the original strain as well as the newest outbreak. JYNNEOS has been approved for people 18 and older. The vaccine will be available at TCWH during their Friday Immunizations Clinics at 55 Brown Road in Ithaca.