SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – Eight Bay Area counties and the City of Berkeley issued a joint statement on Thursday advising people to exercise caution in the face of the spreading monkeypox virus.
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Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Sonoma counties and Berkeley are emphasizing the need for people to protect themselves as summer plans begin to take off in earnest in the next couple of months.
The monkeypox virus spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact and bodily fluids, and can be transmitted sexually. It has been croppping up worldwide in recent weeks, and has made its way to the Bay Area as well.
The first probable case of monkeypox was reported in Santa Clara County in a person who traveled internationally recently, according to a release issued by county health officials Thursday afternoon. The person preliminarily tested positive for monkeypox virus and is in isolation while the case is confirmed through CDC testing.
In San Francisco so far, 10 cases of monkeypox have been identified, and more are likely to occur, according to the San Francisco Department of Public Health.
"We are at a critical stage in this disease when we might have the chance to contain an outbreak if we act quickly and make people aware of the risks and how to protect themselves. Monkeypox can be preventable," said Acting San Francisco Health Officer, Dr. Naveena Bobba, in Thursday’s release. "We know that people are excited to celebrate this summer after two years of a pandemic, and we encourage them to do so safely by knowing how to protect themselves and seeing a doctor as soon as possible if they have symptoms."
Monkeypox is not a new virus, but this is the first time it has reached this level of saturation around the world. Monkeypox manifests as flu-like symptoms, then rashes and sores that like similar to blisters or pimples, and while most cases go away on their own, some can cause serious illness.
The rash-like symptoms can last from two to four weeks. The virus can be treated with a post-exposure vaccination.
Monkeypox isn’t as transmissable as other viruses, like COVID-19, as transmission is reliant on prolonged skin contact.
Health officials are cautioning people to be careful in crowded, indoor spaces and to talk to partners about health before engaging in physical activity. Shared clothing or bedding can also spread the virus.
People who are feeling sick or are presenting symptoms are advised to stay home and contact their healthcare provider as soon as they can.
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