Health Officials Encourage Mpox Vaccinations As California Reports An Increase In Cases

The California Department of Public Health is monitoring a rise in mpox cases and asking health workers to be on the lookout for symptoms.

Reported cases of mpox in California have increased to nearly 17 per week, up from an average of seven per week over the summer.

“We are reminding and encouraging all Californians to be aware of the signs and symptoms of mpox and to take preventive measures, including vaccination, to protect against severe illness,” California Department of Public Health Director Dr. Tomás J. Aragón said in a statement.

Mpox is spread during intimate person to person contact and can cause an extremely painful rash on the face, mouth, hands and even genitals. Mpox can take weeks to develop into a rash and is rarely fatal.

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Cases first began circulating in California in summer of 2022 and stemmed from people traveling and attending LGBTQ events. Mpox disproportionately affects men who have sex with men.

Health officials are encouraging men who have sex with men to get vaccinated, since they make up the vast majority of cases. A free two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine to lower the chance of severe disease is available. Keep in mind, it takes about six weeks to become fully vaccinated and protected.

California officials say the state has an ample supply of vaccines. Anyone can visit the state’s MyTurn portal to book an appointment or find an mpox walk-in clinic.

In L.A. County, cases jumped up over the summer, with a handful reported in October. Antiviral treatment is available for people who test positive, shortening the duration and severity.