Kings County Health Dept. reports first case of Monkeypox

Over the past few weeks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) have been monitoring transmission and have seen an increase in reported cases.

CDPH reported, “While it’s good to stay alert about any emerging public health outbreaks, the current risk of MPX for the general public is low,” it reported. As of September 9, 2022, California accounts for 4,302 cases and no reported deaths due to MPX.

Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with a virus related to the variola (smallpox) virus and vaccinia virus. Monkeypox spreads through direct, close contact with an infected person. The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), the respiratory tract, or mucous membranes (eye, nose, or mouth) after skin or sexual contact, from bodily fluids, or contact with contaminated clothing or linens. 

There are steps residents can take to reduce the spread of monkeypox and protect themselves from infection: 

• Practice good hand hygiene often, with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Wear a well-fitted face mask when around others
• Talk with any new partners about their health before close or intimate contact
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and their bedding, clothing, or other materials
• Stay aware if traveling to countries or large events where there are current outbreaks of monkeypox

Persons who believe they have been exposed to monkeypox or have symptoms of monkeypox should contact a health care provider as soon as possible.

For more information about monkeypox, visit the Kings County Department of Public Health’s website at: https://www.kcdph.com or the CDPH monkeypox informational webpage at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Monkeypox.aspx.