Monkeypox recorded for the first time in a minor in the state of New York

(CNN) — A minor in New York state has reportedly contracted monkeypox, the first among youth in the state and at least the third recorded case of the disease among minors in the United States.

The boy lives in New York, but not in New York City, according to data from the state health department published last week. The data does not indicate the sex of the minor, the city of residence or how the minor was infected.

New York Department of Health spokeswoman Monica Pomeroy said she could not reveal the boy’s age.

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

Previously, at least two other children in the US had had cases of monkeypox, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

One of the cases was that of a young child from California, and the other was that of a baby who is not a US resident.

The two cases are unrelated and are likely the result of internal transmission, according to the CDC. Public health officials are investigating how the children became infected.

Since the monkeypox outbreak began in May, most cases have been among men who have sex with men. But anyone can get the virus through close skin-to-skin contact.

For children, according to the CDC, this could include “holding, cuddling, feeding, as well as through shared items such as towels, bedding, cups, and utensils.”

The CDC said the Jynneos vaccine is available to children through special expanded use protocols.

The agency also developed new guidance for health care providers on the identification, treatment, and prevention of monkeypox in children and adolescents.

Brenda Goodman and Deidre McPhillips of CNN Health contributed to this report.