LAC DPH Health Update: Monkeypox Updates and Provider Webinar this Thursday, June 9th June 8, 2022 California, CDC, characteristic rash, epidemiologic criteria, healthcare, LA County, LAC DPH, LAHAN, Los Angeles County, monkeypox, PCR testing, Providers, Public Health, smallpox vaccination, Specimen Collection, webinar 1907 Key Messages The CDC is tracking multiple cases of monkeypox that have been reported in several countries that don't normally report monkeypox, including the United States. Currently there is one confirmed case of monkeypox in LA County. Healthcare providers are urged to be alert for patients who have rash illnesses consistent with monkeypox and to report suspect cases. Paired swab samples using dry synthetic swabs are needed to collect specimens from suspect monkeypox cases. Providers are asked to review specimen collection instructions to ensure adequate supplies are available. LAC DPH will be hosting a live webinar for healthcare providers this Thursday, June 9, from 4-5 pm. Situation The one case of monkeypox in LA County is an adult resident who recently traveled and had a known close contact to another probable case of monkeypox. The case is recovering. As of June 7, 2022, the number of confirmed cases in California is 7, and in the United States, 35. Many cases have had mild illness. For the most current case counts and situation updates, visit the LAC DPH general Monkeypox webpage section Current Situation in LA County. Providers should reference the LAC DPH healthcare provider monkeypox webpage for the most current clinical information. Monkeypox Webinar this Thursday LAC DPH will be hosting a live webinar with a Q&A for healthcare providers. Date: Thursday, June 9, 2022 Time: 4-5pm (Pacific Time) No advance registration needed Click here to join the live webinar; Event password: T3fTg6J3c2Y The webinar will be recorded and available for later viewing from the LAC DPH healthcare provider monkeypox webpage. CDC Monkeypox Suspect Case Definition Providers should report suspect monkeypox cases immediately to their local health department. Suspect case is a patient with: A new characteristic rash OR One of the epidemiologic criteria AND a high clinical suspicion for monkeypox. History of travel is important but not required in identifying suspect cases for testing. See CDC Case Definitions for Use in 2022 Monkeypox Response for more information. Specimen Collection Dry swabs are required for poxvirus PCR testing. Paired sets of swab samples are required for testing because monkeypox-specific PCR confirmation and clade differentiation is performed as a send-out test to CDC. The swab used should be made of flocked or spun synthetic material. A dry sterile screw cap tube or dry sterile cup (e.g., urine specimen container) should be used for transport of swab. Do not place swabs in any type of transport media. Providers should review their facility supplies to ensure correct swabs are available. Specimen collection involves vigorous, firm swabbing of lesions (vesicular, pustular, or crusted) to obtain fluid or pus with paired sets of DRY synthetic swabs. Additionally, scabs or crusts may be removed for collection and placed in a dry, sterile container. Swab and scab/crust specimens should be stored refrigerated and ideally frozen within 1 hour. Decisions and approval regarding testing will be made in consultation with the local health department. Consultation is required prior to specimen submission to discuss pertinent medical information (e.g., rash onset date, rash type, symptoms, smallpox vaccination date if relevant), exposure history, and need for photos. Additional details regarding specimen collection and coordination for transport will be provided when the suspect case is reported. Specimens received at the Public Health Laboratory without medical epidemiologist approval will not be tested. Reporting Providers should report suspect monkeypox cases immediately. Los Angeles County DPH Acute Communicable Disease Control Weekdays 8:30am - 5pm: call 213-240-7941 After-hours: call 213-974-1234 and ask for the physician on call. Long Beach Health and Human Services Weekdays 8am - 5pm: call 562-570-4302 After-hours: call the duty officer at 562-500-5537. Pasadena Public Health Department Weekdays 8am - 5pm: call 626-744-6089 After-hours: call 626-744-6043. To view a printable PDF of this communication and other LAHAN communications, please visit publichealth.lacounty.gov/lahan. If this message was forwarded to you, please join LAHAN here.