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The one case of monkeypox in LA County is an adult resident who recently traveled and had a known close contact to another probable case of monkeypox. The case is recovering. As of June 7, 2022, the number of confirmed cases in California is 7, and in the United States, 35. Many cases have had mild illness.

For the most current case counts and situation updates, visit the LAC DPH general Monkeypox webpage section Current Situation in LA County. 

Providers should reference the LAC DPH healthcare provider monkeypox webpage for the most current clinical information. 

LAC DPH will be hosting a live webinar with a Q&A for healthcare providers.

Date: Thursday, June 9, 2022 Time: 4-5pm (Pacific Time) No advance registration needed Click here to join the live webinar; Event password: T3fTg6J3c2Y

The webinar will be recorded and available for later viewing from the LAC DPH healthcare provider monkeypox webpage.

CDC Monkeypox Suspect Case Definition

Providers should report suspect monkeypox cases immediately to their local health department.

Suspect case is a patient with:

History of travel is important but not required in identifying suspect cases for testing. 

See CDC Case Definitions for Use in 2022 Monkeypox Response for more information.

Dry swabs are required for poxvirus PCR testing. Paired sets of swab samples are required for testing because monkeypox-specific PCR confirmation and clade differentiation is performed as a send-out test to CDC. The swab used should be made of flocked or spun synthetic material. A dry sterile screw cap tube or dry sterile cup (e.g., urine specimen container) should be used for transport of swab. Do not place swabs in any type of transport media.

Providers should review their facility supplies to ensure correct swabs are available.

Specimen collection involves vigorous, firm swabbing of lesions (vesicular, pustular, or crusted) to obtain fluid or pus with paired sets of DRY synthetic swabs. Additionally, scabs or crusts may be removed for collection and placed in a dry, sterile container.

Swab and scab/crust specimens should be stored refrigerated and ideally frozen within 1 hour.

Decisions and approval regarding testing will be made in consultation with the local health department. Consultation is required prior to specimen submission to discuss pertinent medical information (e.g., rash onset date, rash type, symptoms, smallpox vaccination date if relevant), exposure history, and need for photos. Additional details regarding specimen collection and coordination for transport will be provided when the suspect case is reported. Specimens received at the Public Health Laboratory without medical epidemiologist approval will not be tested.

Providers should report suspect monkeypox cases immediately.

To view a printable PDF of this communication and other LAHAN communications, please visit publichealth.lacounty.gov/lahan.

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