New York State Reports First Monkeypox Case In A Minor

New York Department of Health officials have reported the first known case of monkeypox in a child under the age of 18.

New data from the state health department revealed a minor tested positive for monkeypox. However, the documents did not reveal the child's gender or the county in which they reside.

Monica Pomeroy, a spokesperson for the state's Department of Health said she would not release the age of the infected child.

"In instances where the number of cases is small, patient confidentiality prohibits the Department from disclosing this information," Pomeroy said.

The minor's case was not reported in New York City. As of Thursday, the NYC Department of Health has not reported any cases of monkeypox in children.

The latest case marks the third reported case of monkeypox among children in the U.S.

In one case, a toddler in California was infected with the disease, and the other case involved an infant, who was not a U.S. citizen.

In July, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issued an executive order declaring a State Disaster Emergency amid the growing monkeypox outbreak.

"More than one in four monkeypox cases in this country are in New York State, and we need to utilize every tool in our arsenal as we respond. It's especially important to recognize the ways in which this outbreak is currently having a disproportionate impact on certain at-risk groups," Hochul said in a statement.

"That's why my team and I are working around the clock to secure more vaccines, expand testing capacity and responsibly educate the public on how to stay safe during this outbreak."

Most of the cases of monkeypox are reportedly among men who have had sex with men.

New York has reported 2,798 confirmed cases of monkeypox as of Friday. A total of 2,596 of those cases are in New York City.