Mpox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with the mpox virus. The mpox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, which includes the variola (smallpox) virus as well as the vaccinia virus, which is used in the smallpox vaccine. Mpox is a public health concern because it can be transmitted person-to-person and can cause severe disease in humans. Although mpox virus is in the same family of viruses as smallpox, it is less transmissible and typically less severe than smallpox.
Mpox was first identified in 1958 and primarily occurs in Central and West African countries. Historically, mpox has been rare in the U.S. and has mostly been related to international travel or the importation of animals. In 2022, there has been a significant increase in reported cases in locations where mpox is not commonly seen, including Europe, Canada, and the United States, including California. While it's good to stay alert about any emerging public health outbreaks, the current risk of mpox for the general public is very low.
Information for Healthcare Providers
Laboratory Testing
Several commercial laboratories have begun testing for non-variola orthopoxvirus or Monkeypox virus. Turnaround times may vary. Please carefully review specimen collection guidance for each specific laboratory before sending specimens. All laboratories require the clinician at the site to collect the specimen; patient services centers/draw stations do not collect specimens for orthopoxvirus or Monkeypox virus testing.
- Aegis Sciences Corporation
- Labcorp
- Mayo Clinic Laboratories(For Mayo Clinic Providers only)
- Quest Diagnostics
- WestPac Labs (Sonic Healthcare)
If these laboratories are not an option for your facility or your patient, contact Kern County Public Health Services at 661-321-3000 for more information on testing performed at LRN laboratories.
Medical Resource Requests
JYNNEOS vaccine is now available for redistribution to local healthcare providers for administration to staff and patients.
To request Jynneos vaccine:
- Review and agree to the CDC Monkeypox Vaccination Provider Agreement.
- Review and agree to updates to the Agreement that are posted online.
- Review the Jynneos Vaccination Information Statement (VIS) and the FDA Emergency Use Authorization for Heatlhcare Providers.
- Contact monkeypox@ph.kerncounty.com or call 661-321-3000.
Tecovirimat (TPOXX) continues to be available for the treatment of high-risk patients. Both oral and IV formulations are available.
To request tecovirimat (TPOXX):
- Review the CDC Interim Clinical Guidance for the Treatment of Monkeypox
- Review the CDC Guidance for Tecovirimat Use Under Expanded Access Investigational New Drug Protocol during 2022 US Monkeypox outbreak
- Review the FDA Monkeypox Response Therapeutics Section, including the risk of Viral Resistance
- Review the CDC Information for Healthcare Providers on Obtaining and Using TPOXX (Tecovirimat) for Treatment of Monkeypox
- Complete the required forms on the Obtaining TPOXX page above: Informed Consent, Patient Intake Form, and FDA Form 1572.
- Contact monkeypox@ph.kerncounty.com or call 661-321-3000
Health Alerts
- July 9 - KCPHSD - Monkeypox Case Identified in Kern County
- June 23 - CDPH - Managing Monkeypox Virus Infection in California
- June 16th - KCPHSD - Evaluation of Suspect Monkeypox Infection
- June 14 - CDC - Updated Case Finding Guidance: Monkeypox Outbreak
- May 20 - CDC - Monkeypox Virus Infection in the United States and Other Non-endemic Countries