Friday, February 28, 2025

First case of monkeypox detected in San Francisco

simian pox

The San Francisco Department of Public Health ‒SFDPH‒ announced today that following a recent surge in cases globally and in the U.S., the first probable case of monkeypox has been identified in a San Francisco resident through testing at a California Department of Public Health laboratory. 

The risk to the general population from this virus is believed to be low, as the known cause of spread is prolonged contact and bodily fluids.

Having close physical contact, including sex, with multiple people can put a person at higher risk of getting monkeypox.

The individual, who traveled to an area with an outbreak of cases, is in isolation and in good condition, San Francisco health officials said.

The individual has not reported close contacts in the city during the time period in which he or she could have spread the infection to others. Initial testing was completed at a state lab on Friday and SFDPH is awaiting confirmation of test results from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“San Francisco is prepared for this case and others, should they occur. We want to emphasize that this is not an easily airborne illness like COVID-19; however, we want people who may have been exposed to be vigilant for symptoms and to see a medical provider immediately if they develop symptoms for evaluation,” said Health Officer Dr. Susan Philip. 

"While most cases resolve on their own, monkeypox can be serious in rare cases and we want to prevent further spread in the community," she added.

SFDPH noted that there is still much to learn about the conditions under which monkeypox spreads and people can expect public health guidance to evolve accordingly. 

Monkeypox is currently known to be spread through activities including intimate sexual contact, kissing, breathing in close proximity, or sharing bedding and personal items. It appears as a distinctive rash or sores on the skin anywhere on the body, including the genital area, and often begins as flu-like symptoms.

While a cluster of cases has been identified and appears nationally and internationally, monkeypox remains rare and there are other contagious diseases that can cause rashes or skin lesions. For example, syphilis and herpes are much more common than monkeypox, can look similar and should also be treated.

People who may have been exposed to monkeypox, or who have symptoms, should contact their health care provider immediately for evaluation and counseling. Physicians should report suspected cases of monkeypox to SFDPH Communicable Disease Control.

SFDPH anticipates that additional cases of monkeypox may occur in SF, and is already monitoring updates and guidance from the CDC and the California Department of Public Health on the evolving situation. 

SFDPH systems are in place to receive reports of suspected cases from health care providers; identify and communicate with anyone who has been in contact with cases during their infectious period; and ensure that clinicians remain well informed about testing, infection control, and management of monkeypox as the situation develops. 

The California Department of Health has purchased Jynneos vaccine for distribution to counties for preventive use in persons identified as close contacts.

Most recent cases of monkeypox worldwide are among people who identify themselves as gay men or men who have sex with men, which may put people in this community at higher risk of infection. 

However, anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can become infected and spread monkeypox.

In response, SFDPH urged the media, government officials and the community at large to respond with a rights-based and evidence-based approach that avoids stigma.

How to protect yourself from monkeypox:

  • Consider wearing a well-fitting mask and covering exposed skin in dense indoor crowds.
  • Do not share bedding, clothing and food or drink with others.
  • Talk to close physical contacts about your general health, such as recent rashes or sores.
  • Be vigilant if you travel to countries where there are outbreaks.

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:

  • Cover the rash area with clean, dry, loose clothing.
  • Wear a well-fitting mask
  • Avoid skin-to-skin contact or close contact with others, including sexual contact, until a medical evaluation has been completed.
  • Contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible for an evaluation.
  • Help public health officials track down other people who may have been exposed
  • Inform sexual partners of symptoms.

You may be interested in: The number of children with hepatitis of unknown cause is increasing in the country.

Pamela Cruz
Pamela Cruz
Editor-in-Chief of Peninsula 360 Press. A communications expert by profession, but a journalist and writer by conviction, with more than 10 years of experience in the media. Specialized in medical and scientific journalism by Harvard and winner of the International Visitors Leadership Program scholarship from the U.S. government.

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