Stockton, CA (July 21, 2022) – San Joaquin County Public Health Services (SJCPHS), working with California Department of Public Health, is investigating the first probable case of monkeypox infection in the county. The person has preliminarily tested positive for Orthopoxvirus in lesion samples and meets compatible clinical and epidemiologic criteria. SJCPHS 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. SJCPHS has also received reports of confirmed cases but will update the public once the preliminary investigation is complete.

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with monkeypox virus. 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.

Once a positive case is detected, SJCPHS will do a thorough tracing and monitoring of close contacts. If determined to be eligible for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), contacts can receive the monkeypox vaccine (brand name JYNNEOS) on a referral basis.

Efforts are underway to ensure that antiviral treatment with Tecovirimat (brand name TPOXX) will be available to eligible patients in San Joaquin County. At this time, Tecovirimat must be obtained through the public health system. SJCPHS will closely monitor the situation and update the public about the status of the virus and any other measures that can be taken to minimize the effects and evade another outbreak

1. Immediately report any San Joaquin resident with suspected monkeypox disease to our Disease Control and Prevention Unit at (209) 468-3822. After hours, call (209) 468-6000 and ask to speak to the public health representative.
2. Review the CDPH Healthcare Provider Health Advisory: Managing Monkeypox Virus Infection in California, Update June 23,2022. The document includes information on evaluation of monkeypox, collection of specimens, and infection control considerations. CDPH will update the document as information changes. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Health-Advisory-Monkeypox-Virus-6-23-22.aspx
3. Encourage patients with suspected monkeypox infection to work with SJCPHS staff to ensure their household contacts, sexual partners, and other close contacts are identified,provided information about monkeypox exposure and referred for PEP if they are eligible.
4. Educate your patient population, as appropriate, regarding measures that reduce risk of acquiring and/or transmitting monkeypox. CDC has developed two excellent resources:
   1. Monkeypox Facts for People Who Are Sexually Active (Updated July 11, 2022) https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/sexualhealth/index.html
   2. Social Gatherings, Safer Sex, and Monkeypox (Updated July 12, 2022) https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/specific-settings/socialgatherings.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fpoxvirus%2Fmonkeypox%2Fsexualhealth%2Fsocial.html

1. CDC Monkeypox for Healthcare Professionals https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/index.html
2. CDPH Monkeypox page https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Monkeypox.aspx

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