Alameda County Finds 1st Likely Monkeypox Case; CA Total Reaches 8

ALAMEDA, CA — Alameda County has identified its first likely monkeypox case, health officials said Thursday.

A resident tested positive for orthopox and is suspected to be infected with the monkeypox virus, the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency said in a news release Thursday.

The California Department of Public Health conducted testing for orthopox, officials said. Samples were sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation of a monkeypox infection.

The resident who tested positive was in close contact with someone who also recently tested positive for orthopox, officials said. The county health department said federal privacy law prevents it from sharing further details.

The latest case brings the state's total monkeypox cases to eight, and the country's total to 40. Health officials stressed the risk of monkeypox to the general population remains low.

Monkeypox spreads through direct, close contact with an infected person. The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if the break isn't visible), the respiratory tract, or mucous membranes (such as eyes, nose, or mouth) after skin or sexual contact, from bodily fluids, or contact with contaminated clothing or linens.

“Alameda County is prepared to respond to this and possible future cases,” said Dr. Nicholas Moss, the Alameda County Health Officer, said in a statement. “Health officials are monitoring updates from the CDC and CDPH as the situation evolves.”

Monkeypox patients often experience flu-like symptoms and a rash on their face, extremities, or genital area.

Monkeypox infections are rare and, in most cases, mild, but can lead to severe illness. Treatment and vaccines are available for people who are exposed.

“It is vital that a person who suspects they have Monkeypox or are experiencing symptoms contact their health care provider right away,” Dr. Kavita Trivedi, the county's Communicable disease controller, said in a statement. “We are ready to receive more reports from health care providers, provide guidance, connect possible cases to testing, and contact trace.”

Residents can help protect themselves from infection by masking indoors, washing hands with soap and water (or alcohol-based hand rub) and avoiding sharing bedding, clothing, and food or drink with others.

"After more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, we understand how weary residents are,” Trivedi said. “But this isn’t COVID, and we have the tools and knowledge necessary to protect ourselves and each other.

Recent monkeypox cases in the United States have been linked to travel in Europe, which has seen outbreaks. Other states with monkeypox cases include Massachusetts, Florida, New York, Utah, Colorado and Washington state.

In California, five cases have been identified in Sacramento County. One case each has been found in Los Angeles County and San Francisco.