Since 2024, there have been rare cases of Clade I mpox in California including Los Angeles, mostly seen in people who have travelled. Clade I may cause more severe illness and is being closely monitored.
Enhanced public health monitoring is ongoing. Risk to the general public remains low.
Clade II has been spreading at low levels in the United States since 2022. The mpox vaccine is recommended for those who may be at risk for mpox exposure.
Mpox is spread from a lot of skin-to-skin contact such as during sex. This includes oral, anal and vaginal sex, rimming, rubbing, and other intimate touching. Mpox does not spread during brief interactions such as conversations or passing people in public spaces.
When a person can spread mpox: A person with mpox can spread it to others from 4 days prior to the day symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. This usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Scientists are still researching more about how mpox is spread, including if the virus can be spread before someone has symptoms.
The mpox rash may look like bumps, pimples, blisters, sores, or scabs, and it can appear anywhere on the body including the genitals, anus, mouth, hands, and face.
There are several ways to reduce your chance of getting mpox.
Get vaccinated to protect yourself if you think you or your sex partners may be at risk for mpox. For the most protection, make sure you get both vaccine doses.
Learn About the Mpox Vaccine on the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health websiteFollow international travel recommendations. This may mean getting the mpox vaccine if you are traveling to regions where clade I mpox has been spreading.
Ask about recent illnesses, rashes, or recent international travel. If your partner(s) have mpox symptoms, such as a new or unexplained rash or sores, wait until they see a health care provider before having sex.
Do not share items with someone who has an unexplained rash or was diagnosed with mpox.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. This is especially important after intimate contact.
You can use a condom or gloves during sex. Also consider reducing your number of sexual partners or limiting going to sex parties or spaces with intimate contact with multiple people.
If you think you may have mpox, early testing, proper care, and following isolation guidance can help protect your health and prevent the spread of the virus. Learn when testing is recommended, what treatment options are available, how to safely isolate, and when it is appropriate to return to work, school, and other daily activities.
If you have any new rashes or sores that may be caused by mpox, your provider will collect a swab from your sores and send it to a laboratory. There is no test for individuals who do not have symptoms.
Contact your healthcare provider about mpox testing. If you do not have a regular provider, call 2-1-1 for assistance or you can access services at a Public Health Sexual Health Clinic.
"Results for mpox testing are typically available within a few days. While waiting, keep your rash covered and try to avoid close physical contact with others so you do not spread mpox.
Mpox testing is only available for when a person has rash symptoms such as bumps, blisters, sores, or scabs that may be mpox.
In most cases, mpox will resolve on its own. There are over-the-counter treatments your provider may recommend to address symptoms, such as pain or anti-itching medications. While a medication called tecovirimat (also known as TPOXX) was previously used for mpox treatment, based on new research, we now know this medication is not as effective as we initially hoped and it is no longer available for general mpox treatment.
There are over-the-counter and prescription medications your provider may prescribe to address symptoms, such as pain medications or anti-itching medications.
Isolate at home if your provider suspects mpox or has diagnosed you with mpox. Stay isolated until any rash is fully resolved, all scabs have fallen off, and new skin is forming underneath. This usually takes 2-4 weeks.
Resume normal activities when all skin lesions have healed with fresh healthy skin underneath, and any other symptoms, including fever, have been absent for at least 48 hours without fever-reducing medication.
Note about sex: There may be a risk of passing mpox to a sex partner even after skin lesions have healed. Until more is known, it is recommended that you use condoms for 12 weeks after ending isolation.
If meeting the above criteria, you can return to in-person work provided it does not involve direct physical care or contact, and you are unable to work virtually. Additional requirements may apply.
Children should wait until meeting criteria to return to school and resuming normal activities
View the latest mpox trends, case counts, and updates for Los Angeles County. This interactive dashboard provides up-to-date data on reported cases, demographics, and trends over time to help you better understand how mpox is impacting communities across the county.
Browse the links below to quickly find specific information, explore available mpox resources, and access guidance or support materials.