Mpox virus found in Palm Springs wastewater for first time in 2023, but no new cases seen

The virus commonly known as monkeypox has been detected in wastewater in Palm Springs for the first time since late February, health officials announced Thursday. But no cases of the disease have been reported this year in the city or in Riverside County.

Palm Spring officials said the virus was detected in water at the city’s treatment plant between May 1 and 8 as part of regular water testing. It had last been detected on Feb. 27.

Now officially referred to as mpox, the disease caused by the virus leads to symptoms such as fever and, eventually, a rash. In most cases, the rash will eventually heal, but mpox can be fatal in some cases.

Last year, a global mpox outbreak occurred that has resulted in about 30,500 documented cases — and 42 deaths — in the US. The CDC says its data indicates that men who have sex with men have accounted for the majority of cases, although anyone who has had close physical contact with someone with the disease can get it.

A mpox vaccine was introduced soon after the global outbreak began, and cases have declined significantly since their August high. CNN reported last week that the World Health Organization had declared that mpox was no longer a global health emergency. However, the CDC said on Tuesday that the recent Chicago cases indicate that “the outbreak is not over.”

Palm Springs, which is known for being a magnet for LGBTQ residents and visitors alike, was a hotspot for the disease during the outbreak, although it has not seen new cases for months.

The latest detection of the virus in wastewater occurred just days before the White Party, a series of large-scale LGBTQ-oriented pool parties held in Palm Springs last weekend.

Ahead of the White Party festivities, a local disease specialist told The Desert Sun she was concerned that the event could lead to a spate of new cases. The White Party typically is attended by 30,000 people. While new mpox cases have been uncommon for much of the year, 13 cases were recently reported in Chicago.

In a briefing on Monday, a Riversde County deputy public health officer said no mpox cases have been detected in the county since December. The officer, Jennifer Chevinsky, said mpox vaccines had been distributed during all three days of the White Party. However, she cautioned that people who have been vaccinated can still get mpox, and said people should continue to still be aware of the disease.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Virus mpox (monkeypox) seen in Palm Springs wastewater; no new cases