Monkeypox, also known as Mpox, is a viral disease similar to smallpox but less severe. The virus emerged as a growing public health concern in Southern California. As of now 2,694 cases of Mpox have been reported in the Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Long Beach areas, according to County of Los Angeles Public Health which is a Mpox case summary (weekly) of total confirmed cases. The Los Angeles County Department is an organization that aims to preserve the health of Los Angeles civilians.

COVID-19 interrupted current students’ K-12 education. Senior Erika Muñoz went into quarantine in 2022 and found the experience to be extremely isolating and depressing. The current onslaught of Mpox cases locally makes her anxious as she does not want to relive her experience from the lockdown.

¨I wasn’t really aware that there were so many cases near us and I think we should spread some type of awareness around because not being able to graduate for my senior year would suck, especially since COVID made me miss out on my 8th grade promotion,¨ said Muñoz.

CDC health officials are urging the public to be cautious about symptoms like rashes, fevers, and swollen lymph nodes. The Mpox virus primarily spreads through close contact with someone infected. As a result of this virus just beginning to rapidly spread, many people still don’t know much about it or what it is.

Although concerning, health officials developed a vaccine for Mpox on Aug. 9, 2022 made from the strain MVA-BN (modified vaccinia Ankara- Bavarian Nordic.) The vaccine for this infectious disease is available to the general public but health authorities are currently prioritizing  those at higher risk to get it. The vaccine can take several weeks to develop an immunity. Until it can be widely dispersed, the Los Angeles area is expanding testing and treatment resources, as well as informing the public and educating communities about symptoms and how to prevent infection.

“I’m really glad there is a vaccine, having a vaccine out makes everything better and personally makes me less scared of the disease because I wouldn’t want there to be another quarantine,¨ said freshman Joselyn Burciaga.

Practicing good hygiene such as regular handwashing and using hand sanitizer are essential steps to prevent contraction. While health officials work to contain the virus’s spread, it is asked that people avoid making contact with infected people or their items.