Dear Friend —

Earlier today, our Long Beach Health Department announced the first presumptive case of monkeypox infection in Long Beach. Additional testing will be performed at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to confirm monkeypox. Still, given the positive test result, our Health Department is conducting an extensive contact tracing investigation and offering vaccines to people who may have been exposed in order to prevent additional cases. The person is an adult Long Beach resident who has no recent travel history nor known contacts. They are symptomatic and recovering and isolating at home.

Our Health Department is taking monkeypox very seriously and is diligently working to vaccinate people who are at the highest risk, understanding that the vaccine is currently in extremely limited supply. Though the risk of contracting monkeypox remains very low in our community, we urge folks to remain vigilant and be aware of symptoms and possible exposure. Here is some important information to keep in mind about monkeypox.

Virus Symptoms and Transmission

Monkeypox is a disease that is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox. It is rarely fatal. The symptoms are similar to those of smallpox but milder.
Symptoms of monkeypox typically include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches and backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills, and Exhaustion
• A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus

If You Are Symptomatic

Sometimes, people only experience a rash. The rash goes through different stages and often resolves in two to four weeks on its own. There are treatments available if needed, but they usually are not necessary. People who contract monkeypox are infectious and should isolate until the rash resolves.

People who have symptoms should also call their healthcare provider; they will determine the need for testing. Those who do not have a healthcare provider and are experiencing symptoms can contact the City of Long Beach’s public health information line at (562) 570-7907 for assistance with finding healthcare services.

Vaccine Criteria

There are vaccines and antivirals that may be given to prevent illness or reduce disease severity, which include the JYNNEOS vaccine. Vaccines are currently in very limited supply, but more is expected in the coming weeks. In alignment with the Los Angeles County strategy of administering vaccines, the Health Department is currently offering the vaccine to people who:

• Have been exposed to someone with confirmed monkeypox and do not have symptoms
• People who have been exposed through that specific person will be contacted by the Health Department
• Patients with established care at specialty clinics (i.e., STD or HIV clinics) where there was a high risk of exposure to someone with monkeypox
• Gay and bisexual men and transgender people with a diagnosis of rectal gonorrhea or early syphilis within the past three months and have a doctor’s referral or proof of a positive result

Note that vaccines will not help people who have or are already experiencing the symptoms of monkeypox.

Anyone who meets the above criteria should call the public health information line at (562) 570-7907 for consultation or to make an appointment. Due to the extremely limited supply, we will not be able to offer vaccines to individuals who don’t meet the current vaccine eligibility criteria. 

For more information and to stay informed about all we are doing to address monkeypox, please visit our website at www.longbeach.gov/monkeypox.

Thank you and stay healthy, 

Mayor Robert Garcia