TRENTON – An 11-year old North Jersey boy who was suspected of having monkeypox has tested negative for the disease and has tested positive for varicella (chickenpox), New Jersey Health and Senior Services Commissioner Clifton R. Lacy, M.D. reported today.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notified DHSS late this afternoon that the lesion samples taken from the boy earlier this week were positive for varicella (chickenpox) by genetic testing.

          The child, who developed fever and a pustular rash, was suspected to have been exposed to monkeypox through contact with prairie dogs in Indiana.  He has been in isolation at home and is recovering from his illness.  

There are no other suspected monkeypox cases in New Jersey.

           “It is fortunate that New Jersey has been spared illness related to monkeypox.  But, as the number of suspect cases in the Midwest continues to rise, we must remain vigilant.  In the future, as in this case, DHSS will take all necessary steps to protect the health of our residents,” Dr. Lacy said.

For more information, visit the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services web site at www.state.nj.us/health, or the CDC’s web site at www.cdc.gov.