MPX in California

Historically, MPX (pronounced "em-pox") cases were rarely seen in people who had not traveled to Central or West Africa, where the virus is usually found. However, since May 2022, there has been an increase in cases among people who have not visited Africa in Europe and North America, including in California.

While the risk of MPX to the public is currently very low based on the information available, California declared a state emergency on August 1, 2022 to prevent future spread of the virus. MPX can infect anyone, and many of the recent cases in 2022 have occurred among persons self-identifying as men who have sex with men (MSM).

English Fact Sheets

CDPH MPX fact sheet

MPX fact sheet for gay and bisexual men

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) MPX webpage

Hojas Informativas en Español

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Lo que los hombres gay y bisexuales necesitan saber sobre la viruela de mono

Local Information

There have been less than 10 cases of MPX in Mendocino County as of October 7, 2022.

Mendocino County MPX isolation guidelines (August 19, 2022)

Questions? Get in touch with the Public Health Call Center at 707-472-2759, Mon - Fri, 8:30 AM - 5 PM