Human Monkeypox

Get text updates about monkeypox from the County. Text COSD MONKEYPOX to 468-311. (phone users: tap to create the message)
OVERVIEW
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, or contaminated clothing, bedding, or towels (i.e., via fomites). 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.
If you think you have the monkeypox rash and want to get tested, or have any health concerns, please contact your healthcare provider. If you do not have a healthcare provider, call 2-1-1 San Diego for information.
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Who should get vaccinated?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to monkeypox and people who may be more likely to get monkeypox, including:
- People who may have been identified by public health officials as a contact of someone with monkeypox; or
- People who know one of their sexual partners in the past 2 weeks has been diagnosed with monkeypox; or
- People who had multiple sexual partners in the past 2 weeks in an area with known monkeypox.
Based on CDC and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance, the County of San Diego is currently prioritizing vaccination for:
- People who have been identified by known cases as intimate or otherwise close contacts of a person diagnosed with monkeypox.
- Those who have been intimate or otherwise had skin-to-skin contact with a person who has a monkeypox-like rash.
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Where can I get vaccinated?
The vaccine is in limited supply. Please continue to monitor this webpage for upcoming vaccination opportunities.
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How can I schedule my second dose of monkeypox vaccine?
The federal supply of monkeypox vaccine remains limited. The public health priority is to administer a first dose of vaccine to eligible individuals who are at risk for monkeypox exposure. When the vaccine supply improves, the County of San Diego will make second doses available.
Please continue to check our website, at www.sandiegocounty.gov/monkeypoxsd, for updated information about vaccine availability.
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How are vaccine doses allocated to local health jurisdictions (LHJ) in California?
The CDPH allocates a certain number of doses per LHJ. Various formulas are used to allocate the limited number of monkeypox vaccines to LHJs. To determine populations at highest risk of monkeypox transmission, the formulas include the number of early syphilis cases among men as a proxy. The County of San Diego does not determine this formula.
Given the continued limited supply of the Jynneos vaccine, the County of San Diego will provide first doses to offer protection to more at-risk San Diegans. This is the best strategy until an adequate vaccine supply is received. Additionally, this single dose strategy is consistent with the monkeypox vaccine distribution strategy taken in the California Department of Public Health, New York, United Kingdom (UK), and Canada.
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I have been exposed to monkeypox. What should I do?
- Monitor for symptoms.
- Let partner(s) know you have been exposed.
- Limit close physical contacts during this time.
- Call your healthcare provider, or 2-1-1, if you do not have a healthcare provider. If you develop symptoms, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
- Seek out a
vaccine if you are told by your partner that they have monkeypox, or
someone contacts you to tell you that you were exposed.
- We know there are many more people in the LGBTQ+ community who need protection from the vaccine and should get it. Because we have such limited vaccines, we are temporarily asking everyone to prioritize those who have a direct exposure.
- Getting a vaccine soon after exposure – ideally within 4 days but up to 14 days after – can help prevent you from becoming infected with the monkeypox virus.
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How do you test for monkeypox?
- You must have a rash with fluid-filled lesions similar to blisters to get a monkeypox test.
- The monkeypox test is done on your skin with a swab at a clinic by a health care provider. The swab is rubbed against lesions on your skin, or parts of your rash, and then sent to a specialized lab for monkeypox testing.
- A preliminary lab test result should be available
in a few days. While you are waiting, be sure to take steps to care
for yourself and others:
- Stay home and away from others.
- Put off travel on public transportation and domestic and international travel.
- Contact your sex partner(s) and people you have had close contact with since the start of your symptoms.
- Protect any pets.
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Is there treatment for monkeypox?
- Most people get well from monkeypox without needing any medicines or other treatment.
- Vaccination is not a treatment for monkeypox. If you test positive, you are not a candidate for vaccination, but there are other treatment options.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Tecovirimat (TPOXX or ST-246) as a treatment for Monkeypox and it is available from healthcare providers.
- There are other options to help control outbreaks of monkeypox. To learn more about the other treatment options, visit the CDC Monkeypox | Treatment webpage.
- Always consult your healthcare provider before seeking or using any medical treatment.
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How can I reduce my chances of getting monkeypox from somebody else?
- Ask your partners about recent illnesses or rashes. Delay or defer close or intimate contact if they have a rash or have been recently sick.
- If you are in one of the high-risk populations listed above, consider getting vaccinated.
- Condoms can help reduce your chance of STIs, but they are not known to reduce the spread of monkeypox. You may be exposed to the virus through bedding, clothing or other physical contact that is not necessarily sexual.
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How can I prevent the spread of monkeypox?
To prevent the spread of monkeypox:
- If you have a rash or feel ill, stay home and contact your healthcare provider, if necessary, especially if you may have been previously exposed to monkeypox.
- Practice good hand hygiene after contact with potentially infected animals or humans. Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Avoid contact with materials (e.g., bedding or laundry) that have been in contact with a sick person or 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.
If you have symptoms of monkeypox, contact your healthcare provider. If you do not have a healthcare provider, call 2-1-1 San Diego for information about getting access to a healthcare provider near you.
Read Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
DECLARATION OF LOCAL HEALTH EMERGENCY
San Diego County and California public health officials have issued orders to prevent the spread of Monkeypox
Declaration
of Local Health Emergency (PDF) Updated August 2, 2022.
Translated versions will be posted when available.
Confirmed and Probable Cases†
Updated Daily
(Monday-Friday)
Data Through 8/11/2022
Count | Percent | |
Total | 134 | 100% |
Note: Demographics Table includes data through Monday, 8/8/2022. Going forward, Demographic Tables will be updated on Mondays with data through the previous Saturday.
Confirmed and Probable Cases† Demographics
Updated Weekly (Monday)
Data Through 8/8/2022
Count | Percent‡ | |
Total | 104 | 100% |
Gender | ||
Male | 104 | 100% |
Female | 0 | 0% |
Transgender Male | 0 | 0% |
Transgender Female | 0 | 0% |
Genderqueer or Non-Binary | 0 | 0% |
Unknown or missing | 0 | - |
Sexual Orientation | ||
Gay, Lesbian, or Same-gender loving | 89 | 93.7% |
Bisexual | 3 | 3.2% |
Heterosexual or straight | 2 | 2.1% |
Declined to answer | 1 | 1.0% |
Unknown or missing | 9 | - |
Age | ||
Median | 34.5 | - |
Minimum | 21 | - |
Maximum | 62 | - |
Race/Ethnicity* | ||
Hispanic or Latino | 33 | 38% |
White | 47 | 55% |
Black or African American | 6 | 7% |
Asian | ** | - |
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander | ** | - |
American Indian or Alaskan Native | ** | - |
Other/Multiple Race | ** | - |
Race and Ethnicity Unknown | ** | - |
Hospitalizations | 2 | - |
Deaths | 0 | - |
†A confirmed case has tested positive specifically for monkeypox virus. A probable case has tested positive for orthopoxvirus with no suspicion of other recent orthopoxvirus exposure and is pending confirmatory testing.
‡ Percents of total only calculated using known and uncensored data.
*Persons of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may belong to any race group. All categories except Hispanic/Latino include persons for whom race is known but ethnicity is non-Hispanic or unknown. This report categorizes "Multiple Races" as "Other Race" so all people who report being multiple races are categorized as "Other Race." "Other Race" may not have a standardized definition across data collecting entities or among patients reporting their own demographics.
**Data Censored to protect confidentiality for probable/confirmed cases less than 6.
Note: Starting today (8/10/2022), T3 Dashboard will be updated on Mondays, with data through the previous Saturday.
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO MONKEYPOX T3 DASHBOARD
Updated Weekly
(Monday)

TEST
104*
May 30-Aug 4
Confirmed/Probable
Cases by Onset Date

TRACE
72
Contact
Incidents currently under investigation
177
Cumulative
Contacts Incidents

TREAT
170.5
Tecovirimat Courses Fulfilled
*A confirmed case has tested positive specifically for monkeypox virus. A probable case has tested positive for orthopoxvirus with no suspicion of other recent orthopoxvirus exposure and is pending confirmatory testing.
Data as of: August 8, 2022
Dashboard Updated: August
9, 2022
Note: Starting today (8/10/2022), Cumulative Vaccine Summary will be updated on Mondays, with data through the previous Saturday.
CUMULATIVE VACCINE SUMMARY
Updated Weekly (Monday)
Data are preliminary and subject to
change

26,638
doses requested by the County.

5,047
doses received by the County.1

4,647
doses allocated/distributed^ (2,377 have been
administered).

400 doses reserved for post-exposure prophylaxis.
1 The number of doses received was allocated from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to respond to the current monkeypox outbreak. These doses are then distributed to public and community/hospital vaccination sites to administer.
^The number of doses distributed to healthcare systems, FQHC, and County clinics.
Data as of: August 9, 2022
Updated: August 10, 2022
Overview of the Situation
The California
Department of Public Health CDPH is closely monitoring
monkeypox transmission in the U.S. and California to ensure rapid
identification of cases. The County first issued a health advisory
on May 23, 2022, following monkeypox cases that have occurred
in the United States. The County will continue to provide health
advisories about monkeypox. In 2022, most infections with monkeypox
have been mild and limited to febrile illness with enlarged lymph
nodes and rash. In the U.S., few patients have required
hospitalization.
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.
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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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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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Will wearing a condom prevent people from getting monkeypox?
- Condoms during sex are an important way to protect yourself and others from HIV and other STIs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis.
- We do not know yet whether condoms reduce the risk of getting or giving someone else monkeypox during sex.
- While we learn more about how the monkeypox virus is spread, we want everyone to know that monkeypox can be spread during any close physical contact, including sex; face-to-face coughing or sneezing, kissing, or licking, skin-to-skin rubbing, or sharing sex toys, bedding, towels, clothing, or utensils, among other ways.
-
If I had the smallpox vaccine, am I protected from monkeypox?
- Monkeypox and smallpox are in the same family of viruses.
- According to the CDC, since monkeypox is closely related to the virus that causes smallpox, the smallpox vaccine can protect you from getting monkeypox.
However, if you have been exposed to monkeypox and it has been three years or more since your smallpox vaccine, you should think about getting a monkeypox vaccine.
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How long is an infected person contagious?
- You are able to spread monkeypox to other people from the start of your symptoms (like feeling like you have the flu) or the start of a rash, until all scabs have fallen off and new skin covers all the monkeypox spots.
- This can take 2 to 4 weeks.
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Where can I get more information?
County of San Diego
- 2-1-1 San Diego
- County News Center
- County Working with LGBTQ Leaders to Prevent Spread of Monkeypox, Vaccinate People at Higher Risk (July 25, 2022)
- Men Who Have Sex with Men Encouraged to Protect Themselves from Monkeypox (July 12, 2022)
- 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.
- Preventing Monkeypox Spread in Congregate Settings
FDA
World Health Organization (WHO)
-
Actions Requested
1. Consider a diagnosis of monkeypox in people who present with an unusual or characteristic rash and who in the month preceding illness:
- Reports having contact with a person or people with a similar appearing rash or who received a diagnosis of confirmed or probable monkeypox or
- Had close or intimate in-person contact with individuals in a social network experiencing monkeypox activity, this includes men who have sex with men (MSM) who meet partners through an online website, digital application (“app”), or social event (e.g., a bar or party) or
- Traveled outside the US to a country with confirmed cases of monkeypox or where monkeypox virus is endemic or
- Had contact with a dead or live wild animal or exotic pet that is an African endemic species or used a product derived from such animals (e.g., game meat, creams, lotions, powders, etc.)
2. Report suspected cases of monkeypox to County Epidemiology Unit within one working day using a Confidential Morbidity Report faxed to 858-715-6458 or sent by secure email to epi-cdreporting.hhsa@sdcounty.ca.gov.
- 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday: 619-692-8499.
- Monkeypox virus-specific testing is available through commercial laboratories or through the Public Health Laboratory.
- Testing through the Public Health Laboratory requires approval but sample collection and refrigeration before approval is acceptable.
- For more information: Health Advisory Update #3: Human Monkeypox, Testing at Commercial Laboratories.
3. Instruct suspected cases to isolate until testing is resulted.
4. To request monkeypox testing by the PHL, collect swabs (detailed instructions) and then call 619- 692-8499 (8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday). Swabs for PHL testing should be transported in dry sterile containers without viral media.
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Resources for Healthcare Professionals
County of San Diego
- CAHAN San Diego Alerts
- Human Monkeypox, Testing at Commercial Laboratories (July 15, 2022)
- Meningococcal Infections and Monkeypox in Men who Have Sex with Men (June 10, 2022).
- Human Monkeypox (May 23, 2022).
- County News Center
- County Working with LGBTQ Leaders to Prevent Spread of Monkeypox, Vaccinate People at Higher Risk (July 25, 2022).
- Men Who Have Sex with Men Encouraged to Protect Themselves from Monkeypox (July 12, 2022)
- 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
- 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
- Monitoring People Who Have Been Exposed
- Preventing Monkeypox Spread in Congregate Settings
FDA
World Health Organization (WHO)
- CAHAN San Diego Alerts
Resources for individuals, communities, and organizations.
Translations versions will be posted once available.
Telebriefings | |
---|---|
Sector | Day and Time |
Businesses and Employers | Business Sector telebriefings will be held every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 9:30-10:30 AM. This meeting will be conducted completely online. |
Child Care Services | Child Care Sector telebriefings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 1:00 PM to hear the latest updates on COVID-19 in San Diego County. This meeting will be conducted completely online. |
Community- and Faith-Based Organizations | The Community and Faith-Based Organizations telebriefings will be held every 1st Wednesday of the month from 1:00 - 2:00 PM. This meeting will be conducted completely online. Join us for Community and Faith-Based Organizations telebriefings |
Health Professionals | Join the Health Professionals telebriefing on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month at 3:30 PM. Register to receive an invitation to the Health Professionals telebriefings, eBlasts, and bi-monthly newsletters. |
LGBTQ+ | Join the LGBTQ+ telebriefing on monkeypox every week on Monday from 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM. Please click the following link to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89167385313 -OR- One tap mobile: US: (669) 900-6833 Meeting ID: 89167385313# (669) 444-9171 |
Long-Term Care and Residential Care Facilities | Join us for the telebriefings on the 4th Thursday of each month, at 2:00 PM. Join us for telebriefings to hear the latest COVID-19 updates for long-term care and residential care facilities in San Diego County. This meeting will be conducted completely online. Join Long-Term Care and Residential Care Facilities Sector telebriefings |
Military and Veterans | Please join the County of San Diego and the San Diego Veterans Coalition (SDVC) to hear the latest updates on COVID-19 in San Diego County and information for Military, Veterans, and their families. This meeting will be conducted in person on the first Friday of every month at 8:30 AM . |
Restaurant, Food, and Beverage Providers | Business Sector telebriefings will be held every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 9:30-10:30 AM. This meeting will be conducted completely online. |
Schools: K-12 | The K-12 School telebriefings will be held every 1st Tuesday of the month from 10:00-11:00 AM. This meeting will be conducted completely online. |
Schools: Institutions of Higher Education | Join us for our telebriefings every 2nd Tuesday at 4:00 PM to hear the latest updates on COVID-19 in San Diego County. This meeting will be conducted completely online. |
Request a monkeypox presentation from our Live Well San Diego Speaker's Bureau.
Monkeypox Virtual Town Hall Recordings
On August 11, 2022, County officials held a virtual town hall to brief on this monkeypox outbreak.
On June 30, 2022, as part of San Diego Pride Week, County
Public Health doctors held a virtual town hall on monkeypox and
invasive meningococcal disease. This is a recording of that session
with the community.

Get text updates about monkeypox from the County. Text COSD MONKEYPOX to 468-311. (phone users: tap to create the message)
For more information, contact the Epidemiology Unit at (619) 692-8499 or send us an e-mail.