LOS ANGELES, Calif. (KESQ) – A third case of a potentially deadlier strain of Mpox has been detected in nearby Los Angeles County.
And with Greater Palm Springs Pride approaching, local doctors are concerned.
Health officials say none of the men who contracted the disease had traveled outside of the U.S. where the strain is more common, making these cases the first time this strain has been transmitted locally.
There are also no known links between the three men, all of whom are gay or bisexual, which raises the possibility that others are likely also infected.
Doctors say this strain of Mpox spreads more easily, including through close personal contact.
Dr. Phyllis Ritchie, CEO and Founder of PS Test in Palm Springs, says, “It’s very concerning. What I really recommend is for people to make sure they’ve had their two doses of the Mpox vaccine. If they’ve only had one dose, and it’s been a while, just get your second dose, it’s ok. But they need their two doses for sure.”
News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke with Dr. Ritchie to get more information on Mpox.
All three men have been discharged from the hospital and sent home to isolate.