There have been 122 confirmed or probable cases of monkeypox reported in Long Beach, as of Oct. 31. According to data shared by the City on its online monkeypox dashboard, infection rates have decreased significantly compared to the summer.
There was a spike in reported cases from July 9 to Sept. 10, and the highest number of new infections were reported the week of Aug. 20, when 18 confirmed or probable cases of monkeypox were discovered.
Of these 122 cases, 3 people have required hospitalization, and no one has died.
According to a statement by the City, most cases locally and nationally are contracted through skin-to-skin contact.
Symptoms of monkeypox can include the following:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Exhaustion
- Respiratory symptoms such as a sore throat, nasal congestion or cough
The risk of exposure to monkeypox may increase when engaging in any kind of sexual or intimate touching with multiple or anonymous partners (including hugging or kissing), at an event or area where there is skin-to-skin contact with multiple people and while attending venues such as clubs, saunas, bathhouses, sex parties and circuit parties where there is skin-to-skin or face-to-face contact with multiple people, especially if those present are wearing minimal clothing, according to the Health Department.
According to the City’s monkeypox dashboard, 97.5% of confirmed or probable monkeypox cases in Long Beach were found in men and 70.5% were found in individuals who identify as “lesbian, gay or same-gender loving.”
While monkeypox has been disproportionately impacting men and the LGBTQ+ community, anyone can get the disease regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
The City’s eligibility requirements for the Jynneos monkeypox vaccine include:
- People living with HIV, especially people with uncontrolled or advanced HIV disease.
- Gay or bisexual men and transgender people who have sex with men or transgender people
- People who had skin-to-skin or intimate contact with someone with suspected or confirmed monkeypox, including those who have not yet been confirmed by the Health Department.
- People of any gender or sexual orientation who engage in commercial and/or transactional sex (e.g., sex in exchange for money, shelter, food and other goods or needs).
The monkeypox vaccination site at Long Beach City College, Pacific Coast Campus is located in Parking Lot 1 on the corner of Orange Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway. The site offers appointments and non-appointments to those who are eligible Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The city’s Multi-Service Center is also offering the vaccine to unhoused people who are eligible. Anyone seeking the Jynneos vaccine is required to self-attest they are eligible before receiving the vaccine. Those interested in scheduling an appointment may do so by visiting the State’s vaccination portal at MyTurn.ca.gov.
