Los Angeles County is seeing an increase mpox cases: Here’s how to avoid it

Iman Palm
·1 min read

After local health officials announced a “concerning increase” in mpox, or monkeypox, cases in Los Angeles County earlier this week, officials are continuing to urge residents to stay safe ahead of the first official summer weekend.

On Monday, local health officials said that 10 new cases have been reported, a troubling increase from the countywide average of less than two cases per week recently.

Mpox is mainly spread through close contact with bodily fluids, shared bedding, towels, clothing, or through kissing, coughing and hugging.

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The virus can also be spread during intimate contact with people or close contact with infected animals.

Symptoms of the virus can include a rash that looks like a pimple or blister but may be painful or itchy, fevers, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle aches and backache, and headaches, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Symptoms typically last for up to four weeks. Mpox is not life-threatening but can lead to severe illness, according to the health organization.

To avoid catching the virus, local health officials recommend the following:

  • Getting vaccinated, especially those in at-risk groups

  • Taking prevention measures during sexual activity

  • Testing for symptoms

Health care providers should report any suspected cases to Public Health.

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