June 14, 2022
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is closely monitoring monkeypox (MPX) transition in the United States and California. Providers can visit the CDPH website for the latest guidance and an archive of CDPH monkey health advisories and updates.
CDPH is requesting the help of health care providers to notify their Local Health Department (LHD) immediately if you identify any persons with possible monkeypox (MPX). Visit LHD contact information (ca.gov).
How to identify MPX
The disease has flu-like symptoms (fever, chills) that last a few days, followed by a distinctive rash, and/or new lymphadenopathy. Note that perianal or genital lesions may occur without flu-like symptoms and may affect the face and extremities (including palms and soles), mucous membranes and genitalia.
More about the rash
The appearance and progression of the rash evolves from lesions with a flat base to slightly raised firm lesions, lesions filled with clear fluid, lesions filled with yellowish fluid, and crusts which dry up and fall off.
The rash can be confused with other diseases, especially in the genital or perianal areas (e.g., secondary syphilis, herpes, chancroid, molluscum contagiosum, and varicella zoster). Before testing for MPX, please rule out and test for the other more common causes of a rash.
Managing MPX
The current strain of MPX (West African clade) appears to be milder so most patients recover without medical intervention or can be managed in an outpatient setting. To find out more about antiviral therapy, available vaccines and to stay current as the situation evolves, visit the CDPH website.
Added resources
More information and resources for the evaluation, testing and infection control of monkeypox can be found by visiting the following links:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Health Advisory: Monkeypox Virus Infection
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Preparation and Collection of Specimens
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Monkeypox - Managing People Who Have Been Exposed
Providers can visit the Monkeypox (MPX) Resources for Providers page for additional information and guidance from the Plan in response to the current MPX situation.
