As the summer season begins with increased travel and large events and gatherings, Bay Area health officials have urged people to protect themselves against the monkeypox virus, better known as “monkeypox,” which spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact and bodily fluids, such as through crowded environments or sexual contact.
While there are no reported cases of monkeypox in San Mateo County to date, the alert from nine health jurisdictions comes as cases, which appear in people as distinctive rashes and sores that can look like blisters or pimples, continue to pop up across the Bay Area, the nation and the world.
Monkeypox is not new, but this is the first time the virus has spread to so many countries at once.
Most cases of monkeypox resolve on their own, although they can be severe. The disease often begins with flu-like symptoms before a rash appears and can last 2 to 4 weeks.
It is worth noting that a post-exposure vaccine is available through healthcare providers.
Unlike COVID-19, which spreads easily through the air, the risk of monkeypox to the general public is currently low unless they engage in higher-risk behaviors.
Having sex with multiple sexual partners may increase a person's risk of becoming infected when monkeypox is spreading in the community.
Health authorities have urged people to be aware of crowded indoor spaces where people have close skin-to-skin contact, sex, kissing and breathing closely. The virus can also spread through shared clothing or bedding.
“Even with the low public risk of monkeypox, it is important to be vigilant for signs of infection,” said Dr. Scott Morrow, San Mateo County health officer. “Anyone experiencing symptoms should stay home and contact their health care provider immediately.”
Many of the cases currently appearing are within networks of self-identified gay and bisexual men, trans people and men who have sex with men, they said.
While it is true that people in such networks are at higher risk today, people of any sexual orientation or gender identity can become infected and spread monkeypox.
"Public awareness is important as the disease could spread within potentially larger groups or networks of people," San Mateo County said in a statement.
Bay Area health officials urge the media, government officials and the community at large to avoid stigmatizing any particular group or person for monkeypox, but to instead support those most at risk and prevent others from becoming complacent.
There are other contagious diseases that can cause rashes or skin lesions. For example, syphilis and herpes are much more common than monkeypox, which can look similar and also need to be treated.
Protecting yourself against monkeypox
To protect against the disease, health officials ask that you consider covering exposed skin in dense indoor crowds, as well as not sharing bedding or clothing with others; talking to close physical contacts about their general health, such as recent rashes or sores; and being vigilant if traveling to countries where there are outbreaks.
To protect others if you have symptoms, particularly a rash consistent with monkeypox, or if you have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with monkeypox, it is important to stay home if you feel sick, contact a health care provider as soon as possible for evaluation, and avoid skin-to-skin or close contact with others, including sexual contact, until a medical evaluation has been completed.
Additionally, you are urged to tell your sexual partners about any symptoms you are experiencing, as well as cover the rash with clean, dry, loose clothing, wear a well-fitting mask, and if you are contacted by public health officials, answer their confidential questions to help protect others who may have been exposed.
You may be interested in: First case of monkeypox detected in San Francisco
