L.A. County reports uptick in mpox cases [Video]

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported Monday a “concerning increase” of 10 new cases of mpox in the past two weeks, up from a countywide average of less than two cases per week the preceding several weeks.

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Mpox — previously referred to as Monkeypox — is mainly spread through close contact with body fluids, sores, shared bedding or clothing, or respiratory droplets from kissing, coughing or sneezing. Symptoms include rash or sores that look like pimples or blisters on the face, body and genitals as well as fever, chills, headache, muscle aches or swelling of lymph nodes.

Early detection, testing and vaccination are vital to controlling the spread of the disease and protecting Los Angeles County residents, according to health officials.

Given the recent increase in cases, Public Health strongly recommended that anyone who …