Six new Mpox cases reported in Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) is alerting residents and health care providers about a concerning increase in mpox cases, with six new cases reported in Los Angeles County in the past week, up from an average of less than one case per week during the preceding four weeks.

Mpox (previously referred to as Monkeypox) is mainly spread through close contact with body fluids, sores, shared bedding or clothing or respiratory droplets (kissing, coughing, sneezing). Symptoms include rash or unusual sores that look like pimples or blisters on the face, body and genitals, fever, chills, headache, muscle aches or swelling of lymph nodes. Early detection, testing and vaccination are vital to controlling the spread of this disease and protecting the health of Los Angeles County residents.

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

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.

Vaccination: Mpox vaccination not only reduces the risk of severe illness but also helps to limit transmission. 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. Residents can choose to receive the mpox vaccine subcutaneously (in the upper arm) or intradermally (under the skin on their arm or back). Vaccine boosters are not recommended at this time.

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 mobile vaccination units are providing free vaccination at numerous Pride events this season, and other walk-up vaccine clinics can be found at https://myturn.ca.gov/.

A collective response is crucial in mitigating the impact of this outbreak. By increasing vaccination rates, the spread of mpox can be minimized within Los Angeles County to protect the health and well-being of its diverse communities. 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.

Public Health Network Continues Mpox Vaccinations at Pride Events

St. John’s Community Health, a network of public health clinics serving South, Central, and East Los Angeles, is continuing to be proactive around the Mpox virus by setting up booths at various Pride events in the area throughout the end of the year.

So far this summer, they have offered vaccinations at West Hollywood Pride, LA Pride, Trans Pride, and Juneteenth celebrations. They plan to set up booths offering Mpox vaccines at:

• Compton PRIDE, 6/24

• Long Beach Pride Festival and Parade, 8/5

• DTLA PROUD Festival, 8/26-27

• Indigenous Pride LA, 10/8

• Palm Springs Pride, 11/4-11/5

“We’re continuing to be proactive around preventing the spread of Mpox by literally meeting people where they are,” said Jim Mangia, president and CEO of St. John’s Community Health. “LGBTQ+ folks have been able to hold joy and celebration alongside safety and protection for decades – the community’s response to Mpox is proving this to be true yet again.”

Last year, St. John’s administered over 10,000 Mpox vaccines after investing nearly $100,000 into advertising; working alongside government officials and the Department of Public Health; partnering with local LGBTQ+, HIV, and racial justice organizations; and holding events at local bars, events, and community spaces.

By LA BLADE STAFF