monkeypox

Hochul is stepping up efforts against monkeypox with a new supply of vaccines and intensified education efforts.

Last week, Gov. Kathy Hochul declared monkeypox a state disaster emergency.

The official declaration means local health departments will be able to access additional state reimbursement to help with the response and prevention activities related to the virus.

Broome County detected its first case of monkeypox. Health officials say it was only a matter of time. The risk of exposure remains low and there is no cause for panic.

“Within the United States, I consider it containable, but we have to act and we have to think about prevention as well as vaccination.”

Eligibility will be limited to individuals in high-risk communities such as gay or bisexual men, transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender non-binary.