Dear New York Tech Students, Faculty, and Staff: Understandably, COVID-19 has received a considerable amount of media attention, given its history of morbidity and mortality as well as its propensity for changes in its communicability and virulence. However, as we continue to monitor the COVID situation closely, we should also remain aware of other emerging communicable diseases, such as the one currently receiving national attention: monkeypox. Monkeypox is a somewhat rare disease that was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. The first human case was recorded in 1970. The monkeypox virus belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to but milder than smallpox symptoms, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. The number of people in New York City diagnosed with monkeypox is increasing, with 461 cases reported by the New York City Department of Health as of July 15, 2022. Although anyone can contract this disease, it appears that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) and who have multiple or anonymous sexual partners are at the highest risk for infection. Nationally, the CDC reports nearly 2,000 monkeypox cases as of July 21. The state with the most cases is New York at 830, followed by California with 356 cases, and Florida with 226. Arkansas, where New York Tech has a medical school campus, has reported only three cases. According to the New York City Department of Health, “Close, prolonged physical contact, including sexual or intimate contact with a person with monkeypox, is associated with an increased risk of monkeypox transmission. It is not yet known if people who do not have symptoms can transmit the virus. Atypical features of some cases include a shortened incubation period of 2 to 5 days, the absence of a prodrome, and the presence of only a few, scattered lesions or groups of lesions, often most prominent in the anogenital area. The lesions may involve both skin and mucous membranes. Even with less severe illness, oral, anogenital, or rectal lesions can be very itchy and painful, to the point of interfering with eating, urination, and defecation.” Although there is an antiviral medication called tecovirimat available, it is generally reserved for people with very severe symptoms. Most individuals with monkeypox have had a self-limited disease course managed with supportive care such as medicines or other clinical interventions to control itching, nausea, vomiting, and pain. Currently, the JYNNEOS vaccine, licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a two-dose series for the prevention of monkeypox infection in people ages 18 and older, is the only vaccine available in the United States. The New York City Department of Health reports: ”Vaccination is not indicated for people who have been previously diagnosed with monkeypox or have active symptoms that may be due to monkeypox. The vaccine is currently available only through the Health Department. Close contacts of someone with monkeypox identified by the Health Department through contact tracing will be offered a vaccine for postexposure prophylaxis. Vaccination within four days of an exposure may reduce the chance of monkeypox disease, and vaccination within 5 to 14 days may reduce symptoms.” Please note that testing is available through our Academic Health Centers for individuals who meet the clinical criteria. As always, those who may feel anxious or uneasy about this or any other disease can reach out to Counseling and Wellness Services at our campuses in Long Island (516.686.7683) or New York City (212.261.1773) to talk or make a virtual appointment. Our medical students can reach out to NYITCOM’s Counseling and Wellness in Long Island (516.686.7636) or Arkansas (870.680.8839). Sincerely, Brian L. Harper, M.D., M.P.H. Chief Medical Officer, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine Copyright © 2022 New York Institute of Technology