Mpox (Monkeypox)
Mpox Case Counts (Placer & other counties) I Mpox FAQs
Since May 2022, there has been an uptick in mpox (monkeypox) cases in many countries around the world including the U.S., and here in California.
Mpox is spread by close physical contact with someone who has symptoms or by touching contaminated items, like clothing and bedding. It can cause flu-like symptoms and/or a distinct rash that can be bumpy or fluid-filled on the face, body, genitals, arms, and legs. It may also be limited to one part of the body.
Our current allocation of mpox vaccine is reserved for close contacts and is not available to the general public in Placer County at this time. If you have concerns about symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider. Currently, the risk of getting mpox is very low.
More Resources:
- How it Spreads – CDC site on mpox transmission
- Home Isolation Guidance for the General Public - CDPH
Mpox Information for Clinicians
As of 07/14/2022
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging healthcare providers in the U.S. to be alert for patients who have rash illnesses consistent with mpox. Click hereMonkey Pox Information for Clinicians Monkey Pox Information for CliniciansAs of 07/01/2022 As of 07/01/2022 As of 07/01/2022 for full information from the CDC.
Some commercial laboratories are now offering Mpox testing. Specimens sent to commercial laboratories do not require Public Health approval for testing. However, if testing is being performed for mpox, Placer County Public Health requests a Confidential Morbidity Report (CMR) be sent via secure fax to: 530.886.2945, Attn: Mpox.
If commercial testing is not an option, you may collect specimens. However, Placer County Public Health must determine if epidemiological and clinical criteria is met and approve specimens for testing.
To Determine if Testing Criteria is Met
Send pertinent medical records, photographs (if available ) and a Confidential Morbidity Report (CMR) via secure fax to: 530.886.2945, Attn: Mpox
For the CMR disease choose Unusual/Other
Specimen Collection Requirements
Follow personal protection equipment guidance when collecting specimens.
Swab lesions using sterile nylon, polyester, or Dacron swabs with plastic or aluminum shaft.
To accommodate the need for both preliminary and confirmatory testing, collect paired specimens from 2-3 lesions total, preferably from different body sites.
- Clearly mark paired specimens, e.g., "L elbow swab #1" and "L elbow swab #2".
- Vigorously swab each lesion with two separate sterile dry swabs
- Place each swab into separate 1.5 or 2-mL screw capped tube with O-ring or other sterile container
- Swabs shall be submitted dry. Do not add or store in a viral transport medium (VTM)
- Swabs are preferred samples, but lesion crusts or scabs may be submitted dry in separate sterile containers
Sample, label, and store each lesion specimen separately.
- Label each specimen with patient name, date of birth, date and time collected and lesion location/number
Specimen Storage and Shipping
Store all specimens at 4°C if shipping within 24-72 hours; store at -20C to -80C if shipping will be delayed.
Placer County Public Health will advise on next steps depending on your site’s shipping capabilities.
Please keep in mind receiving laboratories are closed on weekend and holidays. Specimens may need to be sent overnight and must arrive within 72 hours of collection.