MCDPH confirms first Monkeypox case

The Madera County Department of Public Health has confirmed the first case of MPX infection in Madera County.

The person who tested positive is an adult Madera County resident and currently receiving treatment. The Health Department has conducted a contact investigation and is offering the vaccine to individuals who may have been exposed to prevent additional cases.

Symptoms of MPX typically include a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth, or on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. Other symptoms of MPX include:

• Fever/chills

• Headache, muscle aches and backache

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Exhaustion

• Respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)

Sometimes, people only experience a rash. The rash goes through different stages and often resolves on its own in two to four weeks.

People with MPX are infectious and should isolate at home until the rash resolves. If leaving the house is necessary, the rash should be covered, and a well-fitting mask should be worn. Follow CDC Home Isolation Guidance for MPX.

People who have symptoms, and especially those who have had close contact with someone with MPX or MPX-like rash, should call or see a medical provider; they will determine the need for testing.

Healthcare providers are urged to consider MPX virus in patients with symptoms, regardless of whether they have travel or specific risk factors for MPX, and regardless of gender and sexual orientation.

Higher risk activities include prolonged face-to-face contact (e.g., kissing), prolonged skin-to-skin contact, and sexual contact.

“The risk of MPX remains low in Madera County. The Department is carrying out contact tracing and offering vaccination to the case’s contacts. We are also continuing to encourage vaccinations for people at risk to help limit further spread of MPX,” said Simon Paul, M.D. Public Health Officer.

There are vaccines and antivirals that may be given to prevent illness or reduce disease severity. Vaccination is available at MCDPH for those who meet the current eligibility criteria:

• Person having close contact with someone who tested positive for MPX

• Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men

• Transgender men and women who have sex with men

Appointments may be scheduled using https://myturn.ca.gov/ or by calling 311.

For more prevention tips and information about MPX, visit the following websites:

• California Department of Public Health: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Monkeypox.aspx.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html.