Mpox Cases Increasing in Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is alerting residents and health care providers about a doubling in mpox cases, with 52 cases reported in Los Angeles County in the last four weeks, compared to 24 during the previous four-week period. Approximately 70% of new cases in the past six months were individuals who were not vaccinated.

Given the recent increase in cases, Public Health strongly recommends the following actions:

Vaccination: Vaccination is an important tool in preventing the spread of mpox. JYNNEOS is a two-dose vaccine developed to protect against mpox, and getting both doses provides the best protection against mpox. The vaccine is available to anyone, and individuals who identify with any of the following subgroups are highly encouraged to get vaccinated:

· Any man or transgender person who has sex with men or transgender persons

· Persons of any gender or sexual orientation who have sex or intimate physical contact with others in association with a large public event or engage in commercial and/or transactional sex

· Persons living with HIV, especially persons with uncontrolled or advanced HIV disease

· Sexual partners of people in any of the above groups

People in high-risk groups are urged to get fully vaccinated with two doses for the best protection. Second doses can be given no matter how long it's been since the first dose. Vaccine boosters are not recommended at this time.

Vaccines are available at pharmacies across LA County for insured residents. Residents should plan ahead and schedule their vaccine appointments at pharmacies in advance. Residents can also call their healthcare providers to enquire about receiving JYNNEOS.

Public Health Clinics also offer free mpox vaccines without appointments, while supplies last. To find a Public Health Clinic near you, visit: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/chs/phcenters.htm. For residents planning to visit Public Health Clinics to receive the vaccine, it is recommended you visit as soon as possible to ensure availability.

For a list of Public Health, pharmacy, and provider sites offering JYNNEOS vaccine for the public visit: http://ph.lacounty.gov/media/monkeypox/docs/PublicMpoxReferral.pdf

Testing: Anyone who develops symptoms consistent with mpox, such as rash, fever or swollen lymph nodes should seek medical attention and get tested. Health care providers should be aware of the possibility of mpox and promptly report suspected cases to Public Health for appropriate testing and interventions. If patients have traveled to Africa in the previous 21 days, providers should notify Public Health immediately to facilitate testing.

Prevention: The following can help reduce the risk of getting and spreading mpox:

· Ask partners if they have mpox symptoms or feel sick. Individuals should not have sex or other intimate contact if they or their partners have a new or unexplained rash or sores or feel sick until they see a health care provider.

· Reduce the number of partners, especially those whose recent sexual history is unkn· Make a habit of exchanging contact information with any new partner to allow for sexual health follow-up when needed.

· Limit going to sex parties, circuit parties and other spaces where people are having sex or other intimate contact with multiple people.

· Use condoms and gloves:

· Condoms (latex or polyurethane) may protect the mouth, penis anus or vagina from exposure to mpox; however, condoms alone may not prevent all exposures to mpox since the rash can occur on other parts of the body.

· Gloves (latex, polyurethane or nitrile) may reduce exposure if inserting fingers or hands into the anus or the vagina. The gloves must cover all exposed skin and be removed carefully to avoid touching the outer surface.

· Do not share towels, clothing, bedding, fetish gear, sex toys or toothbrushes.

· Wash hands, fetish gear, towels and bedding. Sex toys should be washed after each use or sex act.

Public Health is collaborating closely with health care providers, community organizations and other stakeholders to address the mpox resurgence as swiftly and effectively as possible. Enhanced surveillance, contact tracing and outbreak investigations are underway to identify potential sources of the infection and prevent further transmission. Public Health's sexual health clinics found at http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/chs/sexualhealthclinics/ and other walk-up vaccine clinics can be found at https://myturn.ca.gov/.

For the most up-to-date information and resources, please visit ph.lacounty.gov/mpox or contact the Public Health Call Center at 1-833-540-0473.