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CCHS

Monkeypox (MPX)


Updated: 3/22/23

Contra Costa Health Services, along with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and other agencies, are monitoring a growing outbreak of MPX cases in the United States and California. Visit the CDPH MPX tracking page f​or the latest information about confirmed or suspected cases of MPX in the county.

While it is good to stay alert about any emerging public health outbreaks, the current risk of getting MPX in the general public is very low, outside of certain activities that increase the chance of exposure.

Pop-Up Vaccine Clinics
We will be holding mobile vaccine clinics at the locations and times below. MPX, flu and COVID vaccines/boosters are all available at these clinics. Walk-ins welcome! First and second doses of Jynneos vaccine available to those eligible.
May 5
Del Cielo Brewing Co.: 701 Escobar St #A Martinez
Hours: 5pm – 7:30pm

MPX is a rare disease that is caused by infection with the MPX virus. It belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox, although MPX tends to be milder than smallpox. MPX spreads to through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including sex and kissing. The virus can be spread from the time symptoms start until all sores, including scabs, have healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. This can take several weeks.

Symptoms

MPX symptoms usually start within 2 weeks of exposure to the virus. Initial symptoms are similar to flu (fever, headache, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes), followed by a rash and sores that look similar to herpes sores. The rash or sores may be located on or near the genitals or anus but could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, or face.

  • The sores will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
  • The sores can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
  • Sores may be inside the body, including the mouth, vagina, or anus.

Prevention

  • Avoid intimate and physical contact with anyone who has symptoms
  • Talk openly with sexual partners prior to intimate physical contact
  • Consider covering exposed skin in dense, indoor crowds
  • Don't share bedding, clothing with others
  • Stay aware if traveling to countries where there are outbreaks

Vaccination

CCH recommends vaccination for anyone who thinks they are at risk for an MPX infection (see risk factors below).

For the best protection, people should get two doses of Jynneos vaccine for MPX at least 28 days apart. There are two methods for vaccine injection, intradermal (similar to a TB test) or subcutaneous (a regular shot like you’d get for chickenpox or measles). At county-run vaccination sites, you can choose which injection method you prefer.


Risk Factors

  • Sex with multiple partners
  • Sex at a commercial sex venue (like a sex club or bathhouse) or at an event
  • People who have had close contact with someone with suspected for confirmed MPX
  • People taking or prescribed HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • People with HIV
  • People who have been diagnosed with syphilis or gonorrhea infection in the past 12 months
  • People whose sexual partner identifies with any of the above scenarios

MPX Vaccine - Stationary Clinic Locations

In addition to pop-up mobile vaccine clinics, Contra Costa Health offers MPX vaccine on an ongoing basis at the locations below. Eligible people can either book an appointment at these sites online or by calling us at 833-829-2626. We also accept walk-ins at these two sites as capacity allows.

  • Concord – Monument
    1034 Oak Grove Rd, Concord
    Hours:
    Tues: 12 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
    Wed – Sat: 8 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Richmond Memorial Auditorium
    25th Street and Nevin Ave, Richmond
    (Entrance on side facing Nevin Ave and parking on street and lots across street)
    Hours:
    Tues - Sat, 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
    Closed: Friday, Nov. 11
  • Antioch
    Nick Rodriguez Community Center
    213 F St, Antioch
    Hours: Tue - Sat: 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Treatments

There are no treatments specifically for MPX infection. However, MPX and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, which means that antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox may be used to prevent and treat MPX virus infections.

Antivirals, such as tecovirimat (TPOXX), may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill, like patients with weakened immune systems, and there is a limited supply of TPOXX treatments for eligible patients within Contra Costa County. Most people with MPX recover fully within 2 to 4 weeks without the need for medical treatments.

To access MPX treatments:

  • For patients with Medi-Cal or who are uninsured, contact Contra Costa County Health Advice nurse at 877-661-6230
  • For patients with Medicare or private insurance, call the BASS ID group at 925-947-2334
  • For patients seen at John Muir Health call 925-939-3000
  • For patient seen at Kaiser, follow up with your provider

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