Solano County Public Health confirms case of Monkeypox

July 19, 2022

SOLANO COUNTY- The Solano County Department of Health and Social Services, Public Health division, has confirmed the first case of monkeypox identified in Solano County. Solano Public Health has also identified two probable cases, both pending confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of today, there are a total of 250 probable and confirmed cases in California.

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus, which is related to the smallpox virus. While generally less severe and much less contagious than smallpox, monkeypox can be a serious illness. It is spread primarily through sustained close respiratory contact or physical contact with the lesions of someone with active symptoms. However, the current risk to the public is very low.

People with monkeypox might start experiencing flu-like symptoms such as fever, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, and general body aches. A person can also develop a rash or sores that look like pimples or blisters and may be painful and itchy. Monkeypox illness can last for approximately two to four weeks.

“Public Health is monitoring the situation closely to ensure the health and safety of Solano County residents and limit the spread of the disease,” said Bela T. Matyas, M.D., M.P.H., Solano County Health Officer. “Though the risk of infection is very low, we encourage people who may have been exposed to contact their medical provider immediately and watch for symptoms.”

The CDC recommends the following measures to prevent or lessen the risk of infection with monkeypox:
n  Avoid close physical contact with people who have symptoms such as sores or rashes
n  Avoid contact with infected animals and materials contaminated with the virus
n  Isolation of infected persons until their symptoms, including rash, have gone away completely
n  Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for others with symptoms
n  Practice good hand hygiene, including washing your hands often with soap and warm water

Individuals who may have been exposed to monkeypox, or who have symptoms, should immediately contact their healthcare provider for evaluation and guidance. Clinicians should report suspected monkeypox cases to Solano Public Health’s Communicable Disease Unit at (707) 784-8001.

The CDC is closely tracking cases of monkeypox recently detected in the United States. For continued updates, visit https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html. Consider following the Solano County Department of Health and Social Services, Public Health division on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SolanoCountyPH and on our website, www.SolanoCounty.com/PH.