Smallpox cases surge in Los Angeles County; Officials are urging people to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of severe disease

Health officials in Los Angeles County, California, have issued a warning after the county saw a “concerning” raise in mpox cases over the past two weeks.

There were ten fresh cases reported over the last two weeks, which is a noticeable raise from the previous average of less than two cases per week. In response to this raise, officials are recommending increased testing and vaccination efforts to reduce the risk of grave disease and transmission.

Mpox is a viral infection caused by the Monkeypox virus. It can spread in several ways: through direct contact with infected wildlife, close contact with an infected person (including intimate or sexual contact), and exposure to body fluids, wounds, or respiratory droplets from kissing, coughing, or sneezing.

“About two weeks ago we had four cases and last week we had six cases. For us, this is a sign that we are entering the summer season when people are more energetic socially and sexually,” Dr. Sonali Kulkarni, director of the Center for HIV and Sexually Transmitted Disease Programs at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, he said ABC 7.

People who experience symptoms should seek medical attention and get tested, officials warn.

Symptoms of mpox usually appear three to 17 days after exposure. The characteristic symptom is a rash that may appear on the hands, feet, chest, face, mouth or around the genitals. Other common symptoms include fever and chills, swollen glands, fatigue, headache and breathing problems.

A person suffering from mpox is contagious from the moment symptoms appear until the rash completely heals. To minimize the risk of infection, officials recommend avoiding sexual or intimate contact with anyone who has a fresh or unexplained rash or any related symptoms. They also discourage sharing towels, clothing, bedding, fetish equipment, sex toys or toothbrushes. Additionally, the operate of protective equipment such as gloves and condoms is strongly recommended.

Another key tool for preventing smallpox is the Jynneos vaccine, which consists of two doses recommended for:

• Men or transgender people having sex with men or transgender people
• Anyone who has sex or intimate contact at vast public events or engages in commercial sex
• People living with HIV, especially those with advanced or uncontrolled HIV infection
• Sexual partners of people from these groups

“People in high-risk groups are asked to be fully vaccinated with two doses to ensure the best protection. Second doses can be given regardless of how long it has been since the first dose. Residents may choose to receive the mpox vaccine subcutaneously (in the upper arm) or intradermally (under the skin of the arm or back). Booster vaccinations are not recommended at this time,” Los Angeles County officials said in a news release.