Monkeypox (File Photo – openaccessgovernment.org)
PASADENA — ColoradoBoulevard.net:
Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) received reports of the first cases of monkeypox infection in four Pasadena residents.
By News Desk
All cases being reported have been confirmed by PPHD to meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definition for either a probable or confirmed case.
The individuals are adults and are recovering with monitoring and support from PPHD. (No other details on the individuals is shared due to patient confidentiality). PPHD is following up directly with those who have had close contact with the individuals and may be at risk for infection. Close contacts are informed on how to assess and monitor for signs and symptoms of illness and are considered for post-exposure prophylaxis with vaccination.
Monkeypox generally spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact. Contact includes prolonged intimate interactions, and sharing of infected bedding or clothing. If you have sex or intimate physical contact with many people, risk of contracting monkeypox is higher.
PPHD Director and Health Officer Dr. Ying-Ying Goh said:
We have been coordinating with our healthcare partners who are managing cases of monkeypox infections. We will are recommending individual and community mitigation measures to reduce the risk of spread of the monkeypox virus, and we will continue to provide vaccination to eligible populations as quickly as we receive federally-supplied vaccine.
Symptoms
People with monkeypox sometimes develop a flu-like illness with fever, fatigue, and enlarged lymph nodes followed by a rash. In other instances, people just develop a rash which can occur on the genitals or other areas of the body. People usually develop monkeypox 7 to 14 days (and up to 21 days) after being exposed.
Most people with monkeypox have a mild illness that improves without treatment over 2 to 4 weeks. Treatment is supportive and focused on easing the symptoms of the illness. Monkeypox is contagious and spreads easily to others until scabs have fallen off and a new layer of skin has formed.
Monkeypox is not spread through casual brief conversations or walking by someone (like in a grocery store).
Prevention
To prevent the spread of monkeypox, PPHD recommends:
- Avoiding close physical contact with people who have symptoms, including sores or rashes
- Talking to your sexual partner(s) about any recent illness and being aware of new or unexplained sores or rashes
- Avoiding contact with contaminated materials
- Wearing personal protective equipment (i.e., mask, gloves, gown) if you cannot avoid close contact with someone who has symptoms
- Practicing good hand hygiene
- Speaking to your healthcare provider about getting tested if you have symptoms
- Staying in isolation until you are no longer considered infectious per public health guidance.
Additional information may be found at Pasadena Public Health Department and L.A. County Department of Public Health monkeypox websites.
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