PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has confirmed a presumptive case of monkeypox infection in a pediatric resident of Long Beach. Preliminary test results indicate that the child has tested positive for orthopoxvirus. Additional testing will be performed at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to confirm monkeypox. Given the positive test result, the Health Department is conducting an extensive contact investigation and offering vaccine to people who may have been exposed in order to prevent additional cases. The child was symptomatic but is now recovered.

This is a reminder that everyone, regardless of age or sexual orientation, can get monkeypox if they come into contact with the virus. This is a reminder that everyone, regardless of age or sexual orientation, can get monkeypox if they come into contact with the virus. Monkeypox can spread through close or prolonged skin-to-skin or face-to-face contact, including between household members. This can include hugging, kissing, cuddling, holding and feeding. It can also spread through contaminated materials, such as cups, bedding, clothing, towels and utensils. People with monkeypox isolating at home should take extra care to avoid contact with other household members and follow the CDC’s guidance for limiting transmission in the home. With children, people are advised to minimize the number of caregivers and limit interaction between siblings, including sharing toys, clothing, linens and bedding. It is also important for the infected person to limit interactions with pets in the home.

People who have symptoms should call their healthcare provider. Providers will likely test patients who have an unexplained rash consistent with monkeypox. Those who do not have a healthcare provider and are experiencing symptoms can contact the City of Long Beach’s public health information line at 562.570.7907 for assistance with finding healthcare services.

Symptoms of monkeypox typically include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches and backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion
• A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus

Sometimes, people only experience a rash. The rash goes through different stages and often resolves in two to four weeks on its own. Tecovirimat (TPOXX) is the first-line medication to treat monkeypox, including in children and adolescents, however, specific treatments are usually not necessary. People with monkeypox are infectious and should isolate until the rash resolves.

“While news of a pediatric case may cause alarm, please remember that monkeypox is still rare, is much more difficult to get than COVID-19 and other common childhood illnesses, and is rarely dangerous,” said City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis. “Most childhood rashes will NOT be from monkeypox. That said, the rash can be very uncomfortable and could pose a threat to vulnerable populations, so we urge everyone to call their healthcare provider if they have a new or unusual rash or have been in contact with someone who has monkeypox.”

Yesterday, the State of California proclaimed a state of emergency to support its response to monkeypox. This proclamation will help the state administration coordinate a whole-state response to the virus, seek additional vaccines and increase outreach and education efforts.

As of August 2, there are 20 confirmed and probable cases of monkeypox in Long Beach. To date, no one has required hospitalization and all are either recovered or are isolating and recovering at home. The Health Department continues to notify people who have been identified as close contacts to confirmed cases and offer vaccine. While the risk of monkeypox is low, Health officials urge community members to remain vigilant and be aware of symptoms and possible exposure.

The Department encourages all residents to visit www.longbeach.gov/monkeypox for up-to-date facts on monkeypox, and to avoid misinformation. You can also follow updates, tips and notices on the Health Department’s social media pages @LBHealthDept and by following the hashtag #monkeypoxLB.

Media inquiries may be directed to Jennifer Rice Epstein, Public Affairs Officer, Department of Health and Human Services, at 562.441.3590 Jennifer.RiceEpstein@longbeach.gov.