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You can now get texts from the state health department about monkeypox

Four iPhones lay on a table.
Ariel Zambelich
/
NPR
Four iPhones lay on a table.

The New York State Health Department has set up a text alert system to inform state residents about cases of monkeypox.

The campaign will also provide New Yorkers with pertinent information about the virus and available tools and resources. The health department also recently launched a digital advertising campaign to reach communities that are experiencing high rates of the monkeypox virus, including gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men.

A total of 389 cases have been reported in New York City, where the majority of cases are occurring. For alerts and information, text monkeypox to 81366.

John Smith has been waking up WAER listeners for a long time as our Local Co-Host of Morning Edition with timely news and information, working alongside student Sportscasters from the Newhouse School.