The first case of monkeypox has been confirmed in Orange County, according to a media release from the Orange County Health Department on Wednesday.
The OCHD said that it has been in direct communication with the infected individual who has been referred to isolate per recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The department has also opened an investigation to notify close contacts to the individual.
“We have been preparing for a case of monkeypox and now that it is here, we want our community to be aware of this disease so that those at risk can seek medical care and get tested promptly if they have symptoms,” Orange County Health Director Quintana Stewart said in the release.
Nearly 13,000 cases of monkeypox have been identified in the United States. OCHD continues to work closely with state and national partners to monitor the current national outbreak and respond within Orange County.
Monkeypox typically involves flu-like symptoms, swelling of the lymph nodes and a bumpy rash.
According to the OCHD, if an Orange County resident has been in contact with a confirmed case of monkeypox or is experiencing symptoms, they should contact their primary care provider or the local health department.
"Anyone can get monkeypox," the release said. "If you have an unexplained rash, sores or other symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. Keep the rash covered and avoid sex or being intimate with anyone until you have been evaluated by a medical provider."
