If you've heard recent news about mpox cases rising in California, you may have questions about your risk and how to stay protected. The California Department of Public Health is encouraging people at higher risk for mpox to get vaccinated—especially as summer travel and large events approach.

Here's what you need to know about mpox, who should consider vaccination, and simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

What's Happening Now

California is seeing an increase in mpox cases across the state. Key updates include:

Rising Clade II cases: So far in 2026, California is reporting more than double the average weekly number of Clade II mpox cases compared to previous years. Most of these infections have occurred in people who were not vaccinated.
First Clade I case in San Francisco: A travel-related case of Clade I mpox was recently identified in San Francisco. The patient, who was unvaccinated, had close contact with someone who traveled internationally to an area where Clade I is circulating. The person was hospitalized and is now improving.
Seven Clade I cases statewide: Since November 2024, California has identified seven cases of Clade I mpox. Public health teams are conducting enhanced monitoring and contact tracing to prevent further spread.

"While Clade I cases remain uncommon, Clade II mpox continues to circulate and we're seeing rising cases," said Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. "This reinforces how important it is for people at higher risk to get both doses of the mpox vaccine. With summer travel and large events approaching, now is the ideal time to protect yourself."

Understanding Mpox: Two Clades, One Vaccine

What Is Mpox?

Mpox is an infection caused by the monkeypox virus. It spreads mainly through close physical contact with someone who has the infection.

Two Types of Mpox

There are two clades (types) of mpox:

Clade I
- Historically found in Central Africa
- Can cause more severe illness
- Most U.S. cases linked to international travel or contact with travelers
- Rare in California but requires vigilance

Clade II
- Has circulated at low levels in California and the U.S. since 2022
- Generally causes milder illness than Clade I
- Currently responsible for most cases in California

The Good News: One Vaccine Protects Against Both

The mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS) is effective against both Clade I and Clade II. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from infection and severe illness.

How Mpox Spreads

Mpox spreads through close contact with someone who has the infection. This includes:

Intimate physical contact: Sex (oral, anal, or vaginal), cuddling, massages, or other skin-to-skin contact
Direct contact with rash or sores: Touching mpox lesions, scabs, or body fluids from sores
Shared items or spaces: Using bedding, towels, clothing, or utensils that touched an infected person's rash or fluids
Pregnancy-related transmission: From a pregnant person with mpox to their fetus or baby

What Does NOT Spread Mpox Easily

Casual contact like passing someone in a store, office, or airplane
Brief conversations without physical contact
Being in the same room without close interaction

Recognizing Mpox Symptoms

Both clades of mpox can cause similar symptoms. Watch for:

Early Symptoms (Flu-like)

Fever or chills
Swollen lymph nodes
Fatigue or exhaustion
Muscle aches or backaches
Headache
Sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough

Rash (May Appear With or After Early Symptoms)

Starts as flat spots that become raised bumps or fluid-filled blisters
Can appear on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or anywhere on the body
May be painful or itchy
Eventually scabs over and heals

Symptoms usually appear within 1-2 weeks after exposure but can take up to 3 weeks. If you develop these symptoms, especially after potential exposure, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Who Should Get the Mpox Vaccine?

The mpox vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of exposure. You may be at higher risk if you:

Have multiple or anonymous sexual partners
Attend events or venues where close physical contact is common
Have a sex partner who is at higher risk for mpox
Work in settings where mpox exposure is possible (certain healthcare, laboratory, or public health roles)
Have a weakened immune system and may be at risk through close contacts
Plan to travel to areas where mpox is spreading and anticipate intimate contact

Who Can Get Vaccinated?

Adults and adolescents ages 12 and older
People with weakened immune systems who may be at risk
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals if they meet risk criteria

The vaccine is safe and well-tolerated. Common side effects are mild and may include soreness at the injection site, fatigue, or headache.

Getting Vaccinated: What to Know

Two Doses for Best Protection

First dose: Provides some protection
Second dose: Given 28 days after the first dose for full, long-lasting protection
Boosters: Not currently recommended for most people

Finding a Vaccine Near You

Visit your local health department website for vaccination locations
Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacy
Use the CDC's vaccine locator tool or CDPH's mpox vaccine page
Many clinics offer walk-in appointments; others require scheduling

If You've Been Exposed to Mpox

Get vaccinated as soon as possible—ideally within 4 days of exposure
Vaccination can still help up to 14 days after exposure by reducing symptom severity
Avoid intimate contact for 21 days after exposure if possible
Monitor for symptoms and seek testing if they develop

If You Develop Symptoms

If you think you might have mpox:

Contact your healthcare provider immediately. Tell them about your symptoms and any potential exposures, including recent travel.
Ask about testing. Mpox is diagnosed through laboratory testing of rash samples.
Isolate at home. Stay away from others until your rash has fully healed and new skin has formed.
Notify close contacts. Let people who may have been exposed know so they can monitor their health.
Clean shared spaces. Disinfect surfaces and items that may have contacted your rash or fluids.

Most people recover from mpox within 2-4 weeks with supportive care at home. However, people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness and should seek care promptly.

Protecting Yourself and Others: Simple Steps

Whether or not you're vaccinated, these habits help reduce mpox risk:

For Everyone

Avoid skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox
Don't share towels, bedding, clothing, or utensils with someone who is sick
Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

If You're Sexually Active

Talk with partners about recent health and any symptoms
Consider reducing the number of close physical contacts during outbreaks
Use barriers like condoms or dental dams (though they don't fully prevent mpox since the virus can spread through skin contact outside covered areas)
Get vaccinated if you meet risk criteria

If You're Caring for Someone with Mpox

Wear a mask, gloves, and gown when providing close care
Avoid direct contact with rash, scabs, or body fluids
Wash hands thoroughly after any contact with the person or their belongings
Launder bedding and clothing separately using hot water and detergent

Travel Considerations

If you plan to travel, especially internationally:

Check mpox activity at your destination through CDC or WHO travel health notices
Get vaccinated before travel if you anticipate intimate contact and meet risk criteria
Avoid close contact with people who have unexplained rashes or illness
Monitor your health for 21 days after returning and seek care if symptoms develop

For Healthcare Providers

Healthcare providers play a critical role in mpox prevention and care:

Include mpox risk assessment and vaccination status in sexual health visits
Consider mpox testing for sexually active patients with compatible symptoms, regardless of vaccination history
Recommend vaccination for patients planning travel to areas with mpox transmission if intimate contact is anticipated
Stay updated on CDPH guidance for testing, treatment, and infection control

Resources for More Information

CDPH Mpox Page: Current case counts, vaccine locations, and prevention guidance
CDC Mpox Information: National data, travel advisories, and clinical resources
Local Health Departments: County-specific testing sites, vaccination clinics, and support services
Your Healthcare Provider: Personalized advice based on your health history and risk factors

Our Commitment to Your Health

At Crestwood General, we believe that clear, science-based information helps you make confident choices for you and your family. Whether you're planning summer activities, traveling, or simply staying informed about community health, we're here to provide trustworthy guidance you can use.

If you have questions about mpox, vaccination, or your personal risk, talk with your healthcare provider. With awareness and simple precautions, you can protect your health and enjoy life with peace of mind.

Content provided by Crestwood General.