Riverside County monkeypox infections increase to 300

Riverside County reported two new confirmed or probable monkeypox cases Wednesday, raising the overall number to 300.

The total number is up from 295 last Wednesday, and from 281 the previous week.

A total of 142 probable or confirmed monkeypox cases have been reported in Palm Springs, making up almost half of the county’s aggregate count, according to the latest Riverside University Health System data.

The county’s first probable or confirmed case in a female was reported in August. The first pediatric case was reported mid-September.

County monkeypox statistics are available at www.rivcoph.org/mpx/Data — a dashboard that shares a breakdown of cases in the county with city-by-city data and more.

The county declared a public health emergency in early August to focus attention on the virus. State and federal officials also proclaimed emergencies.

According to health officials, the monkeypox vaccine can prevent infection if given before or shortly after exposure to the virus. The county is also working with community partners to set up treatment sites with Tecovirimat — an antiviral medication used to treat orthopoxvirus infections such as monkeypox.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanded eligibility on for the vaccine late September to include people who have been exposed or might be exposed to monkeypox in the future. More information about who should get vaccinated is available at www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/vaccines/vaccine-basics.

According to the latest RUHS data, the county has administered a total of 13,982 doses in Riverside County.

The CDC and the California Department of Public Health advise that the vaccine be prioritized for high-risk and exposed patients. Gay and bisexual men are at increased risk of contracting the virus, according to the CDC.

The World Health Organization has declared monkeypox a “public health emergency of international concern.”

A total of 5,135 cases have been confirmed in California — the highest of any state — while nationwide, the aggregate count is 26,778, according to the latest CDC data.

Monkeypox is generally spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact, resulting from infectious rashes and scabs, though respiratory secretions and bodily fluids exchanged during extended physical episodes such as sexual intercourse can lead to transmission, according to the CDC.

Symptoms include pimples, blisters, rashes, fever and fatigue. There is no specific treatment. People who have been infected with smallpox, or have been vaccinated for it, may have immunity to the virus.

People with symptoms are urged to visit a medical provider, cover the rash area with clothing, wear a mask and avoid close or skin-to-skin contact with others.

The CDC particularly recommends those steps for people who recently traveled to an area where monkeypox cases have been reported or who have had contact with a confirmed or suspected case.

A full list of countries that have confirmed monkeypox cases is available at wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/alert/monkeypox. A state-by-state tally of cases is available at www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/us-map.html.