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.

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.

Clinical Guidance

• Information For Healthcare Professionals (CDC)
• Clinical Recognition (CDC) (including images of rash)
• Interim Clinical Guidance for Treatment of Monkeypox (CDC)
• Monkeypox and Smallpox Vaccine Guidance (CDC)
• Guidance for Tecovirimat (TPOXX) EA-IND (CDC)

Medical Resource Requests

JYNNEOS vaccine is now available commercially. Enquire with your vaccine suppliers for availability.

Tecovirimat (TPOXX) continues to be available for the treatment of high-risk patients. Both oral and IV formulations are available.

The preferred method for obtaining TPOXX is through the National Institutes of Health’s Study of Tecovirimat for Mpox (STOMP). The STOMP call center can be contacted at 1-855-876-9997 for information on availability.

The EA-IND process is still available if STOMP is not an option.

To request TPOXX via the EA-IND processed please follow these instructions:

• 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

Infection Control

• Infection Control in Healthcare Settings (CDC)
• Isolation and Infection Control at Home (CDC)
• Autopsy and Handling of Human Remains (CDC)
• EPA List Q: Products with Emerging Viral Pathogens Claim

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