Pasadena Public Health Department Encourages Precautions to Prevent Mpox Infection

PASADENA, Calif.- The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) is encouraging community members who may be at risk for mpox to get vaccinated as mpox activity increases in California. Vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness.

Mpox is a health risk with two distinct clades (strains). Clade I is often associated with travel to countries where clade I mpox is circulating, while clade II can be locally acquired through high-risk sexual activities. A recent case of clade I mpox was confirmed in San Francisco in an unvaccinated individual with a travel-related exposure. Statewide data also show an increase in clade II mpox, which has been circulating at low levels in California since 2022. Most recent cases were among men who have sex with men from sexual contact. Both clades spread through close physical contact, and vaccination is recommended for people at higher risk. The risk of infection remains low for people who are not within these higher risk groups.

PPHD and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) strongly encourage eligible individuals to receive both doses of the mpox vaccine. The Jynneos vaccine is safe and effective at preventing severe illness and lowering the chance of infection from both clades I and II.

Both clades of mpox spreads through contact with body fluids, mpox sores, contaminated materials, and/or other prolonged close contact. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. Most people experience mild illness that resolves within two to four weeks. People are contagious until scabs have fallen off and new skin has formed. Anyone who develops symptoms should contact their health care provider as soon as possible, ask for mpox testing, and share any recent international travel.

"With summer travel and large events approaching, now is the ideal time to protect yourself if you or your sex partner may be at risk for mpox," said Dr. Parveen Kaur, Health Officer.

To help prevent mpox, PPHD recommends avoiding close contact with people who have symptoms, practicing good hand hygiene, speaking with a health care provider if symptoms develop, and isolating until no longer infectious.

Ask your health care provider or check with your local pharmacy (such as CVS or Rite Aid) to find a vaccination provider. To find a vaccination provider near you, visit CDPH's Mpox Vaccine webpage .

Most health insurance plans cover the mpox vaccine for eligible adults, including Medi-Cal, Medicare, and private/commercial insurance. For more information on paying for the mpox vaccine, visit CDPH's Find Mpox Vaccine Near You webpage .