The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LAC DPH) issued a health update on August 12, 2022. This advisory shares important information about monkeypox, now known as mpox, including expedited testing for PEH and alternative JYNNEOS dosing.
Key Messages
- Community transmission of mpox continues in LA County.
- Providers who suspect mpox in persons experiencing homelessness (PEH) are asked to submit specimens for testing to the LAC DPH Public Health Laboratory (PHL) in order to expedite decisions on the individual's placement.
- Patients being tested for mpox infection should be instructed to isolate to protect others pending their final diagnosis.
- The JYNNEOS mpox vaccine has received FDA emergency use authorization (EUA) to be given by intradermal (ID) injection to individuals age 18 years and older and by subcutaneous (SC) injection to those under age 18. CDC has updated clinical guidance on vaccination.
- Patients with lesions or pain that interfere with the activities of daily living and patients at high risk for severe disease should be considered for treatment with tecovirimat (TPOXX). There is no shortage of tecovirimat.
Read the full LAC DPH Health Update: Monkeypox Updates Including Expedited Testing for PEH and Alternative JYNNEOS Dosing.