MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — With the current spread of Monkeypox across the globe, cases are continuing to increase in New Jersey and have spread to Morris County.
According to the NJ Department of Health, there are 561 probable and confirmed cases in the state, with 10 cases in Morris County.
Currently, Hudson County has the most cases in New Jersey, with 132, followed by Essex, which has 92.
According to the Health Department, the monkeypox virus can cause flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that often begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. Monkeypox does not spread easily between people unless there is close contact.
As of Sept. 5, no monkeypox deaths had been reported in New Jersey, but 32 people had been hospitalized as a result of the virus. Cases from the global outbreak, which was discovered in May, have rarely been fatal.
However, monkeypox can be extremely painful, and the rash can leave permanent scars, according to the state health department.
How Monkeypox spreads:
- Primarily spread through close contact with someone already infected with monkeypox
- Touching items such as clothing or linens used by someone with monkeypox
- Pregnant women can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta
Morris County residents now have easier access to the monkeypox vaccine, thanks to the opening of a new clinic in Dover, according to Gov. Phil Murphy and state Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli.
Vaccines are available only by appointment at Zufall Health Center, located at 18 West Blackwell Street in Dover. To schedule an appointment, call (973)-891-3419. High-risk individuals and people exposed to the disease within the last 14 days are eligible.
No insurance is required, and vaccination is free. Anyone with questions about receiving the vaccine should contact their health care provider.
Anyone can contract monkeypox from close contact with someone infected with the virus. The Department and community partners are continuing to reach out to residents who are disproportionately affected by the outbreak.
To find a full list of vaccine clinics now accepting appointments, click here.
