Dear Friend,

With recent surges in the monkeypox virus, I wanted to make sure you had the latest information we have about this virus, its symptoms and treatment. Monkeypox is in the same family as the smallpox virus and primarily spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact with someone infected. While risk of monkeypox to the general population is quite low and most symptoms mild, we must each do our part to assess our own risks to keep ourselves and others safe.

According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, early signs of monkeypox may include:

• Fever
• Malaise (a general feeling of discomfort)
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Cough or sore throat
• Muscle and back ache
• Chills
• Exhaustion
• Rash that typically begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body

Infections can last two to four weeks, with some infected patients only developing a rash with or without swollen lymph nodes, which can occur on the genitals. If you believe you have monkeypox, you should contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Residents who don’t have a provider or health insurance should call 2-1-1 or visit a public health clinic.

For best prevention, avoid close physical contact — both sexual and non-sexual — with people who have symptoms of an illness, sores or rashes. For further information on how to prevent the spread of monkeypox, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/prevention.html.

The Biden Administration has developed a strategy to combat the monkeypox virus, including scaling production and distribution of vaccines, making testing more available and convenient, and engaging with local health departments and trusted messengers in communities most impacted by the virus. I also sent a letter along with 109 of my colleagues to President Biden, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Becerra and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supporting additional funding to address monkeypox. 

Due to the limited supply of vaccine, monkeypox vaccine is currently available to those at higher risk including:

1. People with a known exposure to a Public Health confirmed monkeypox case,
2. Persons who attended an event where there was high risk of exposure to a confirmed monkeypox case,
3. High-risk individuals identified in the LA County jail, and,
4. Gay and bisexual men and transgender individuals who have had a recent diagnosis of rectal gonorrhea or early syphilis

Sincerely,

Judy Chu, PhD
Member of Congress

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