(510) 268-2101 Monkeypox@acgov.org

Mpox in Alameda County

Here is the latest information on Mpox.
Updates on Mpox—Clade I Mpox

Mpox infections caused by the clade I monkeypox virus (MPXV) are currently on the rise in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and have begun spreading to neighboring countries. Recently, a case was detected in Sweden. As of now, no cases have been detected in the United States.

  • Mpox Clade I is more infectious and more fatal when compared to the currently circulating Mpox Clade II.
  • Medical countermeasures being used in the current global outbreak, such as the mpox vaccine and antiviral medications like Tecovirimat (TPOXX), are expected to be effective against Mpox Clade I.
  • The World Health Organization has declared this outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
Healthcare providers should:
  • Continue to recommend mpox vaccination (JYNNEOS) for those who may be at risk for mpox; encourage patients with one dose to complete the two-dose series.
  • Ask all patients with mpox-like illness about the following:
    1. recent travel to DRC or neighboring countries;
    2. being a close contact to travelers returning from these locations; AND
    3. contact with mpox clade I illness within the prior 21 days.
  • Conduct the following steps if the patient meets the criteria described above:
    1. Notify the Alameda County Public Health Department by emailing SexualHealth@acgov.org;
    2. Test for mpox with infection control practices, using a routine test kit; AND
    3. Submit a specimen for clade-specific testing to the California Dept. of Public Health (see Mpox Virus Detection, CDPH).

Mpox — pronounced /m·pox/ — is formerly known as Monkeypox. Mpox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with the Mpox virus. Mpox can cause fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. The rash typically begins as flat spots that turn into bumps that fill with fluid. Some people develop spots that look like pimples or blisters before having any other symptoms. The bumps eventually crust and fall off as they heal.

The Mpox virus is not new, but there is a recent significant increase in reported cases where Mpox is not commonly seen, including in the United States, California, and Alameda County.

While it’s good to stay alert about this new local epidemic, the current risk of Mpox for the general public is low. 

To learn about preventing infection, visit our FAQs webpage. If you are experiencing symptoms or were exposed to someone who is suspected or confirmed to have Mpox , contact your health care provider right away to be connected to testing, and vaccine or treatment. If you don’t have a health care provider, email monkeypox@acgov.org.

Signs & Symptoms

What to look for if exposed to Mpox

Isolation Guidance

Stay home if you test positive for or have symptoms of Mpox

Latest AlCo News

Alameda County expands vaccine eligiblity and offers second doses.

State Guidance

CDPH guidance and resources on Mpox

Federal Guidance

CDC guidance on the national Mpox epidemic

Mpox Graphics

Visual examples of the Mpox rash

Have a Question about Mpox?

Contact us at 510-268-2101 for answers to your questions about Mpox, including how to access vaccine or treatment.