3 More Suspected Monkeypox Cases Identified In San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO — Three more likely cases of monkeypox have been identified in San Francisco residents, bringing the state's suspected total to at least 11.

The San Francisco Department of Public Health announced Thursday evening that the three new probable cases came after a first probable case was identified last week, bringing the city's case count to four.

"In the cases reported today, one of the individuals reported to have traveled within the US recently while the other two individuals did not," health officials said in a Facebook post. "All three individuals are in isolation and in good health condition."

The health department stressed that while a cluster of cases have appeared across the country and internationally, monkeypox remains rare.

"There are other contagious illnesses that can cause rash or skin lesions such as syphilis and herpes which are much more common than monkeypox and can appear similar," the health department said.

Earlier Thursday, an Alameda County resident tested positive for orthopox and officials suspected that person was also infected with the monkeypox virus. In that case, the resident who tested positive was in close contact with someone who also recently tested positive for orthopox, officials said.

The California Department of Public Health conducted testing for orthopox in that case, and samples were sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation.

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 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.

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.

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, four in San Francisco including the one last week, and one case each has been found in Los Angeles County and Alameda County.