Monkeypox In Morris County: Case Numbers, Who Can Get Vaccinated

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — With the recent spread of Monkeypox across the globe, cases are starting to increase in New Jersey and have spread to Morris County.

According to the NJ Department of Health, there are 175 probable and confirmed cases in the state, with less than 5 cases in Morris County.

Currently, Hudson County has the most cases in New Jersey, with 61, followed by Essex, which has 35.

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.

Cases of monkeypox in the United States are currently considered rare, according to the Health Department. People who believe they have been exposed to monkeypox or who have symptoms of monkeypox should see a doctor.

The CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to monkeypox or who are at risk of getting it. However, the vaccine, known as JYNNEOS, is in short supply in New Jersey.

Who can get vaccinated?

• People who have known contact with someone who tested positive for orthopoxvirus or monkeypox virus within the past 14 days
• People who attended an event where known monkeypox exposure occurred within 14 days (make an appointment at a vaccine location)
• People who identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men (MSM), and/or transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender non-binary and who have a history of multiple or anonymous sex with partners within the past 14 days (make an appointment at a vaccine location)

Related: NJ Councilman Worries About Monkeypox Impact On Gay Community

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
• A bite or scratch from an infected animal

Where to get vaccinated:

Vaccines are currently only available by appointment through the community partners listed below:

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center

• Location: Annex 2 (white tent structure), 230 East Ridgewood Ave, Paramus
• Phone: 800-730-2762
• Schedule an appointment: www.newbridgehealth.org

Cooper Vaccine & Testing Clinic, Cooper University Hospital

• Location: 300 Broadway, Camden
• Phone: 856-968-7100
• Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Website: https://my.cooperhealth.org/mychart/authentication/login

Hyacinth AIDS Foundation/Project Living Out Loud!

• Location: Jersey City
• Phone: 201-706-3480

The Prevention Resource Network, a program of the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey

• Location: Asbury Park
• Phone: 732-502-5100

North Jersey Community Research Initiative (NJCRI)

• Location: Newark
• Phone: 973-483-3444 ext. 200