Human Monkeypox
On this webpage you will find the following information:
OVERVIEW
Monkeypox clusters have been reported in other countries that normally do not report monkeypox, including Europe and elsewhere in North America. At this time, it is not clear how people in these clusters were exposed to monkeypox. The current monkeypox situation is constantly evolving and subject to change.
Nationwide
On May 17, 2022, a report states that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating a confirmed case of monkeypox in the United States.
California
On May 27, 2022, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reported one confirmed case of monkeypox.
San Diego
On June 15, 2022, the County of San Diego (County) Health and Human Services Agency reported two probable cases of monkeypox in San Diego County.
Number of Confirmed and Probable Cases |
---|
6Date as of July
1, 2022 at 3:50 pm |
NOTE: A confirmed case has tested positive specifically for monkeypox virus. A probable case has tested positive for orthopox virus with no suspicion of other recent orthopox exposure and is pending confirmatory testing.
The County first issued a health
advisory on May 23, 2022, following monkeypox cases that have
occurred in the United States. These cases were mostly related to
international travel or importation of animals and remain very rare.
Information will be updated weekly.
The County issued an additional health advisory on June 10, 2022, for healthcare providers to maintain a high index of suspicion for monkeypox in persons presenting with exposure and a history of rash. The current monkeypox situation is constantly evolving and subject to change.
The CDPH is closely monitoring monkeypox transmission in the U.S. and California to ensure rapid identification of cases. The risk of monkeypox to the public is currently very low based on the information available.
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What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare disease and is part of the pox virus family. It is caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Cases of monkeypox are commonly reported in central and western African countries. However, cases of monkeypox have been reported in the United States, including California.
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Should I be concerned?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that based on the limited information available, the risk appears to be small. If you have symptoms of monkeypox, contact your healthcare provider right away.
The CDC is working with state and local health officials to identify people who have been in contact with monkeypox. This is to help prevent the spread of disease and to monitor the health of individuals who tested positive for monkeypox. It is important to address disease outbreaks while the risk is small to prevent larger outbreaks.
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How does monkeypox spread?
Monkeypox spreads between people primarily through direct contact with infectious sores, scabs, or body fluids. It also can be spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact. Monkeypox can spread during intimate contact between people, including during sex, as well as activities like kissing, cuddling, or touching parts of the body with monkeypox sores.
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Who is at risk of getting monkeypox?
Those who may be at greater risk during this outbreak includes those who:
- Traveled (within 21 days) to an area where monkeypox cases or exposures have been reported;
- Have had contact with a person who has a similar rash or received a diagnosis of confirmed or suspected monkeypox;
- Had close or intimate in-person contact with individuals in a social network experiencing monkeypox activity; and
- Reports having contact with a person or people with a similar appearing rash or who received a diagnosis of confirmed or probable monkeypox.
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What are the symptoms?
Visual Examples of Monkeypox Rash
Photo Credit: NHS England High Consequence Infectious Disease Network
In humans, the symptoms of monkeypox are similar to, but milder than, the signs and symptoms of smallpox.
Monkeypox symptoms begin with:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, a rash develops, often beginning on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body (like the extremities and genital areas).
The incubation period (time from infection to symptoms) for monkeypox is usually 7-14 days but can range from 5-21 days. The illness typically lasts for 2-4 weeks.
Anyone who has symptoms of monkeypox, such as unusual rashes or lesions, should contact a healthcare provider right away.
Painful lesions progress through the following stages before falling off:
- Macules (flat, discolored areas of skin)
- Papules (solid or cystic raised spot on the skin that is less than 1 centimeter wide).
- Vesicles (small fluid-filled blisters on the skin)
- Pustules (small, inflamed, pus-filled, blister-like sores on the skin)
- Scabs
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Is there treatment for monkeypox?
The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Tecovirimat (TPOXX or ST-246) as a treatment for Monkeypox.
Always consult your healthcare provider before seeking any medical treatment.
There are other options to help control outbreaks of monkeypox. To learn more about the other treatment options, visit the CDC Monkeypox | Treatment webpage.
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How can I prevent the spread of monkeypox?
To prevent the spread of monkeypox:
- Isolate infected patients who could be at risk for infection.
- Practice good hand hygiene after contact with infected animals or humans. Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Avoid contact with animals that might have monkeypox, including animals that are sick or found dead in areas where monkeypox occurs.
- Avoid contact with materials, (e.g., bedding or laundry), that have been in contact with a sick animal.
- If you take care of patients, use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), which includes a gown, gloves, respirator, and eye protection.
- Rapid identification and reporting of possible cases or suspected exposure.
- Vaccination with AMA2000 or JYNNEOS for people whose jobs may expose them to monkeypox.
If you have symptoms of monkeypox, contact your healthcare provider. If you don't have a healthcare provider, call 2-1-1 San Diego for information about getting access to a healthcare provider near you.
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Where can I get more information?
County of San Diego
- 2-1-1 San Diego
- County News Center
- County Identifies Third Probable Case of hMPXV (June 17, 2022).
- Two Probable Cases of Monkeypox Identified in San Diego County (June 15, 2022).
CDPH
CDC
- Monkeypox 2022 Cases
- About Monkeypox
- Monkeypox Treatment
- Signs and Symptoms
- Clinical Recognition
- Travelers’ Health-Smallpox and Other Orthopoxvirus-Associated Infections
- Social Gatherings, Safe Sex, and Monkeypox
- Health Equity Guiding Principles for Inclusive Information.
- Reducing Stigma in Monkeypox Communication and Community Engagement.
- Summer 2022 Health Tips for Gay and Bisexual Men.
FDA
World Health Organization (WHO)
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Actions Requested
1) Consider a diagnosis of monkeypox in people who present a rash that starts as papular and then progresses to pustules, especially in the genital area, and who in the month preceding illness:
- Have traveled to countries where monkeypox cases have been recently reported,
- Have had direct or indirect contact with someone who is arriving/returning from Africa, has a similar rash, and/or has received a diagnosis of confirmed or suspected monkeypox; or
- Are men who have had close or intimate in-person contact with other men.
2) Report suspected cases immediately by telephone to the San Diego County Epidemiology Unit prior to testing:
- 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday: 619-692-8499.
- After hours/weekends/holidays: 858-565-5255.
- Confirmatory monkeypox virus-specific testing requires a dry lesion swab specimen. Collect multiple specimens from different lesions for preliminary and confirmatory testing.
- Visit the Preparation and Collection of Specimens webpage for more information.
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Resources for Healthcare Professionals
County of San Diego
-
CAHAN San Diego Alerts
- Meningococcal Infections and Monkeypox in Men who Have Sex with Men (June 10, 2022).
- Human Monkeypox (May 23, 2022).
- Epidemiology Unit
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County
News Center
- County Identifies Third Probable Case of hMPXV (June 17, 2022).
- Two Probable Cases of Monkeypox Identified in San Diego County (June 15, 2022).
CDPH
- Monkeypox—Transmission
- Health Advisory
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Control Branch—A Clinician's Resource for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in Gay Men and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)
CDC
- Health Alert Network (HAN)
- Monkeypox 2022 Cases
- Sign and Symptoms
- Clinical Recognition
- Specimen Collection
- Treatment
- Infection Control: Healthcare Settings
- Information for Laboratory Personnel
- Information for Veterinarians
- Travelers’ Health-Smallpox and Other Orthopoxvirus-Associated Infections
- Information for Healthcare Professionals
- Monkeypox and Smallpox Vaccine Guidance
FDA
- FDA Approves the First Drug with an Indication for Treatment of Smallpox.
- Medication Guide Smallpox (Vaccinia) Vaccine, Live ACAM2000.
World Health Organization (WHO)
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CAHAN San Diego Alerts
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Resources
County of San Diego
- CAHAN San Diego Alerts
- Meningococcal Infections and Monkeypox in Men who Have Sex with Men. (June 10, 2022)
- Human Monkeypox. (May 23, 2022)
- Epidemiology Unit
- County News Center
- County Identifies Third Probably Case of hMPXV (June 17, 2022)
- Two Probable Cases of Monkeypox Identified in San Diego County (June 15, 2022).
- 2-1-1 San Diego
CDPH
- Monkeypox—Transmission
- Health Advisory
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Control Branch—A Clinician's Resource for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in Gay Men and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)
CDC
- Health Alert Network (HAN)
- About Monkeypox
- Monkeypox 2022 Cases
- Sign and Symptoms
- Clinical Recognition
- Monkeypox Treatment
- Specimen Collection
- Infection Control: Healthcare Settings
- Information for Laboratory Personnel
- Information for Veterinarians
- Travelers’ Health-Smallpox and Other Orthopoxvirus-Associated Infections
- Information for Healthcare Professionals
- Monkeypox and Smallpox Vaccine Guidance
- Social Gatherings, Safe Sex, and Monkeypox
- Health Equity Guiding Principles for Inclusive Information.
- Reducing Stigma in Monkeypox Communication and Community Engagement.
- Summer 2022 Health Tips for Gay and Bisexual Men.
FDA
- FDA Approves the First Drug with an Indication for Treatment of Smallpox.
- Medication Guide Smallpox (Vaccinia) Vaccine, Live ACAM2000.
World Health Organization (WHO)
- CAHAN San Diego Alerts
For more information, contact the Epidemiology Unit at (619) 692-8499 or send us an e-mail.