Monkeypox: Napa County Investigates First Probable Case

Press release from the County of Napa:

NAPA COUNTY, CA — Napa County Public Health is reporting its first probable case of monkeypox infection in a Napa County resident exposed in a location where there is a current outbreak.

The person preliminarily tested positive for monkeypox virus after seeking medical care and the case was reported to Napa County Public Health. Confirmation of the case is pending US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) testing. The individual is in isolation. Napa County Public Health is following up with people with whom the individual may have had close contact. Additional details about the individual will not be released for reasons of medical privacy.

“Today we are announcing the first probable case of monkeypox infection in a Napa County resident who likely became infected after exposure at a location where there is a monkeypox outbreak,” said Dr. Karen Relucio, Public Health Officer and Deputy Director.

“This disease is not spread as easily as COVID-19. However, we do want people that have been exposed to look for symptoms and to seek medical attention immediately if they develop symptoms. We also encourage medical providers to take extra caution during this time with patients that are being ruled out for monkeypox.”

Monkeypox may be spread through activities that include intimate sexual contact, kissing, breathing at very close range, or sharing bedding and clothing. It often begins as flu-like symptoms, followed by a rash resembling chicken pox or sores on the skin anywhere on the body, including in the genital area.

Most of the recent cases of monkeypox globally are among individuals who self-identify as men who have sex with men, which may put individuals in this community at higher risk of infection. However, anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can become infected with and spread monkeypox. At this moment Napa County has a very small quantity of the Jynneos vaccine, which is being prioritized for individuals identified as close contacts to cases or exposed in venues where there are outbreaks.

The overall risk of monkeypox to the general population is low. Individuals who believe they may have been exposed to monkeypox or have the characteristic rash or other symptoms, should contact their health care provider immediately or contact Public Health if they do not have a medical provider at 707-253-4270.

For general information about monkeypox in Napa County, visit the Napa County monkeypox information page.

This press release was produced by the Napa County Government. The views expressed here are the author's own.