Human Monkeypox

This page will be updated every Friday

On this webpage you will find the following information:

Table of Content

SITUATION
CASES TO DATE
GENERAL INFORMATION
INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
RESOURCES

Photo Credit: Cynthia S. Goldsmith, Russell Regnery

SITUATION

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.

CASES TO DATE

Number of Confirmed and Probable Cases
6 Date as of July 1, 2022 at 3:50 pm

Number of Confirmed and Probable Cases

6

Date 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.

GENERAL INFORMATION

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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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
- Monkeypox—Transmission
CDC
FDA
- FDA Approves the First Drug with an Indication for Treatment of Smallpox.
World Health Organization (WHO)
- Monkeypox