SF awaits confirmation in four probable monkeypox cases

San Francisco health officials this week said they’ve identified three more probable monkeypox cases among residents, bringing the total now to four cases.

The first case was identified on June 3, according to the San Francisco Department of Public Health announcement. Testing was performed at a California Department of Public Health laboratory in Richmond, officials said.

All four cases are still awaiting confirmation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Of the three new cases, officials said one resident had recently traveled within the U.S. All three are in isolation and in good health. The individual in the first case had traveled to a location with an outbreak. The person is also in good condition and in isolation.

Cases were reported from Europe last month and determined to be tied to two raves. The CDC said cases have been reported in several countries where monkeypox is typically uncommon.

Local public health officials said the virus can be transmitted through sex, kissing, breathing in close range, or sharing bedding and clothes, though contracting the disease is still rare.

According to the CDC, it can take anywhere from seven to 21 days after infection to exhibit symptoms, which begin with flu-like symptoms and progress to rash. The illness typically lasts from two to four weeks.

SFDPH said officials are monitoring the virus situation, as well as CDC and state health department guidelines.

Click here to access additional information about monkeypox.

Jerold Chinn

Jerold serves as a reporter and San Francisco Bureau Chief for SFBay covering transportation and occasionally City Hall and the Mayor's Office in San Francisco. His work on transportation has been recognized by the San Francisco Press Club. Born and raised in San Francisco, he graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in journalism. Jerold previously wrote for the San Francisco Public Press, a nonprofit, noncommercial news organization. When not reporting, you can find Jerold taking Muni to check out new places to eat in the city.