First case of monkeypox reported in SLO County
A San Luis Obispo County resident tested positive for monkeypox, the Public Health Department announced Monday — making it the county’s first reported case of the virus spreading nationwide.
The resident is thought to have contracted the virus while traveling elsewhere in California, according to a news release from the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department. The individual is isolating and is recovering well, the department said.
“This case of monkeypox was diagnosed thanks to the prompt action of the individual and their health care provider,” County Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein said in the release.
Although state data shows nearly 2,000 monkeypox cases have been reported in California, the risk to the general public remains relatively low, Public Health said.
Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is related to the more deadly smallpox virus. The virus will typically cause flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a rash and sores that look like pimples, blisters or an ingrown hair, the release said.
The virus predominately spreads through close contact or skin-to-skin contact, the release said.
“Monkeypox spreads through prolonged, close physical contact with someone who has symptoms or with contaminated materials like clothes or bedding,” Borenstein said. “It does not spread easily through the air or through brief contact like walking by someone on the street. Anyone who has an unusual rash and is concerned about monkeypox should contact their healthcare provider for an evaluation.”
Locals who were exposed to the virus from the resident were given a dose of the JYNNEOS vaccine, the release said. The two-dose vaccine series prevents infection in those exposed to the virus before symptoms develop. The vaccines are administered at least four weeks apart.
“We unfortunately have an extremely limited vaccine supply and must reserve it for those at the most severe risk following contact with someone who has monkeypox,” Borenstein said.
At the beginning of August, Public Health told the Tribune it had used 10 of its 20 JYNNEOs vaccines allocated to the county from the national federal stockpile.
The Tribune reached out to Public Health to learn the current quantity of monkeypox vaccines still available on Monday but did not receive an immediate response.
“We hope vaccine supply will increase and will communicate directly with the public when it does,” Borenstein said in the release. “In the meantime, it’s important to remember that risk to the general public remains very low and there are steps you can take to protect yourself from monkeypox.”
Some of the Public Health Department’s tips on preventing the spread of monkeypox are:
- Check-in with sexual partners about any recent illnesses or unexplained rashes or sores
- Avoid skin-to-skin or close personal contact with anyone with monkeypox-like rashes or sores
- Avoid contact with unwashed items or fabrics (like bedding, towels, clothing) of anyone with monkeypox-like rashes or sores
- Wear a mask and gloves when caring for someone with monkeypox
- Wash hands thoroughly and often
This story was originally published August 15, 2022 at 4:19 PM.
