The first known case of a severe strain of smallpox virus has been discovered in New York City, and health officials are recommending vaccination for people at risk.
The city Health Department announced Friday that the “mpox clade I” case is travel-related, as the person who tested positive for the disease had recently traveled abroad.
“There is no known local transmission of first viral smallpox in New York City, and the risk remains low for New Yorkers,” Health Commissioner Dr. Alastair Martin said in a statement.
“The New York City Department of Health recommends that New Yorkers at risk for smallpox receive and complete the two-dose vaccine series that works to prevent smallpox.”
There are two types of goblin virus, tier 1 and tier 2 – the latter responsible for a global outbreak that caused nearly 4,000 cases in the city in 2022.
But the strain classified as is believed to be more transmissible and cause more severe disease than its counterpart. According to the state Department of Health.
Officials have warned that most anthrax cases in the United States have affected gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men — although anyone can be infected with the virus.
The virus was formerly known as monkeypox, and is often transmitted during close, intimate contact, such as sex or face-to-face contact.
It can be spread through respiratory droplets, saliva or mucus from a person carrying the virus, as well as through direct contact with the sores, scabies and rashes caused by smallpox, according to health officials.
Although less likely, smallpox can also be transmitted by touching fabrics or surfaces used by an infected person.
Chickenpox usually causes very painful bumps or rashes on or around the genitals or on the hands, feet, chest, or face, which can leave permanent scarring. Those infected can also experience flu-like symptoms.
The virus is rarely fatal, and infection is usually mild, but serious illness can occur in older adults, young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.
Most people recover within two weeks without needing medical treatment, according to the health department.
Health officials urged people at particular risk of smallpox to get the two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine series.