Local News and Opinion for San Diego
San Diego County’s Health and Human Services Agency Friday identified another probable case of hMPXV, also known as human monkeypox.
That brings the region’s total probable case count to three.
All probable cases must be verified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and that process can take several days. The two prior cases reported by the county on Wednesday have not yet been verified by the CDC.
HHSA officials said this most recent case has no connection or relation to the first two, but like the others, the individual also recently traveled abroad. The person is in isolation and although symptomatic, is not hospitalized.
By clicking subscribe, you agree to share your email address with Times of San Diego to receive a free newsletter with the latest local news delivered at 8 a.m. daily. You can opt out at any time via an unsubscribe link.
“All three individuals with probable cases of hMPXV here in the region are doing well and are managing their symptoms in home isolation,” said Dr. Wilma J. Wooten, county public health officer. “Most individuals who become infected experience mild to moderate symptoms and the risk of contracting the virus remains very low for the general population.”
Since monkeypox is more common in African nations, its appearance in the U.S. and more than a dozen other countries has generated headlines, particularly among a populace still traumatized by the COVID-19 pandemic. But health officials insist COVID is far more infectious.
The infection spreads through contact with bodily fluids, via monkeypox sores or shared items such as bedding or clothing that has been contaminated with fluids. It can also be transmitted through saliva and sexual contact.
The virus is not known to linger in the air and is not transmitted during short periods of shared airspace.
Most people who develop monkeypox have only mild illnesses that go away within two to four weeks without treatment. People with symptoms are urged to visit a medical provider, cover the rash area with clothing, wear a mask and avoid close or skin-to-skin contact with others.
Since May, monkeypox cases have been reported in several non-endemic countries, including the U.S. No deaths have been reported.
The county plans to provide weekly updates on the monkeypox status in the region on Fridays.
With the generous support of readers like you, Times of San Diego publishes timely and accurate news coverage for a better-informed community. Helps us grow with a monthly contribution.
Our free newsletter is delivered at 8 a.m. daily. Enter address:
This website, like most media sites, uses small files called cookies to anonymously customize the advertising that you see. Learn more about how we use cookies in our cookie policy.