The Los Angeles Post

State Public Health Officials Provide Monkeypox (MPX) Update

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SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today issued the following statement following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use authorization for the intradermal administration of the JYNNEOS vaccine for individuals who are at high risk for monkeypox (MPX) infection. The change in vaccine technique authorized by the EUA is expected to ensure similar immunity and extend JYNNEOS vaccine supply.

“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use authorization is an impactful and critical step forward as we continue to work together to slow the spread of MPX across the state,” said Dr. Tomás Aragón, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Public Officer. “With this emergency use authorization, we will be able to expand vaccine access in California, and we commend the FDA for taking this step, which will help better align supplies with demand.

 

“The JYNNEOS vaccine continues to be in high demand as an important tool available to slow the spread of MPX. While this emergency use authorization provides more flexibility in how many doses are available, we still expect demand to outpace supply and are assessing the impact of this authorization on our allocation and distribution strategy.

 

“While we move forward with this latest authorization, we continue to urge Californians to be aware of the risks associated with MPX, including best practices to prevent transmission.

 

“To date, over 109,000 doses of JYNNEOS vaccine have been received in California. We anticipate another allocation from the federal government next week, and we will continue our work with local health jurisdictions to expand vaccine availability.”

Each week, CDPH will provide an update on the state’s MPX outbreak and response. Below is updated information as of August 11. Subsequent updates will be issued on Wednesdays.

Cases

  • California has reported 1,945 probable and confirmed monkeypox cases.
  • Cases have been reported in 32 local health jurisdictions.
  • Complete case data is available on the state’s MPX data dashboard.

 

Vaccines

  • To date, California has received 109,471 doses of MPX vaccine, including 43,282 delivered directly to Los Angeles County from the federal government.
  • CDPH has distributed 62,392 doses to other local public health departments.
  • Complete allocation and distribution data is available on the MPX vaccine page.

 

Treatment

  • To date, the state has distributed 2,687 oral treatment courses and 303 IV treatment doses of Tecovirimat (TPOXX).

 

Hospitalizations

  • There have been 48 hospitalizations (2.5%) in California due to the MPX virus and no reported deaths.

Know the Signs

People with MPX may first develop flu-like illness with fever, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, and enlarged lymph nodes. A characteristic rash, which can appear like blisters or pimples in certain parts of the body, may occur a few days later. These blisters or pimples may be very painful. MPX may require hospitalization in rare instances. In some cases, no flu-like symptoms appear, and individuals only develop a rash. People with the virus may experience all or only a few of these symptoms. The illness may last for up to 2 to 4 weeks and usually resolves without specific treatment.

Slow & Prevent Spread

  • There are several measures that can be taken to prevent infection with MPX virus:
  • Avoid physical contact with people who have a rash that resembles MPX, including hugging, kissing, cuddling, or sexual intimacy.
  • Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with MPX.
  • Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with MPX.
  • Do not handle or touch bedding, towels, clothing, or other fabrics that have been in contact with someone with MPX.
  • Health care providers should use standard and recommended isolation precautions when caring for patients with suspected or confirmed MPX infection.
  • Read the CDC’s latest information on safer sex, social gatherings and MPX.

 

Additional Resources

CDPH provides multiple resources, including a fact sheet, and communications toolkit for the public, community organizations, health care providers, and media outlets