Monkeypox cases in the Coachella Valley increase, Riverside County total reaches 59

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Monkeypox virus drawing 800
Abstract drawing of the monkeypox virus | Gerd Altmann/Pixabay

Monkeypox cases in Coachella Valley continue to rise with the area reporting a confirmed/probable case count of 59.

First, Riverside Public Health Officer Geoffrey Leung posted a Facebook video on Aug. 5 with an update on Coachella Valley cases, saying "We wanted to share that our case count for monkeypox has increased by nine cases, so we're now at a total of 51. The newest cases are all men in the Coachella Valley area between the ages of 30 to 70."

Then, on Aug. 8, Riverside County Health Disease Watch added eight new probable cases, elevating the count to 59.

According to a Desert Sun article, Riverside County Public Health is not disclosing the patients' specific cities of residence in the interest of protecting their identities.

The first probable case of monkeypox in Riverside County was reported on June 22 with confirmation coming from tests on the patient's tissue samples. While authorities also withheld that patient's name, he identified himself as Evan Goldfarb to warn others about the severity of monkeypox in a KESQ interview.

As explained by Riverside University Health System, monkeypox is a rare virus transmitted through skin-to-skin contact and isn't easily spread between people without close contact. Symptoms may include a rash or rashes that resemble pimples or blisters, a fever, swollen lymph nodes or fatigue.

To help stop the spread, Riverside County Public Health recently launched a monkeypox vaccination interest form, which people can fill out to ensure the efficient distribution of vaccinations to the community as more doses become available, The Desert Sun said. The form can be filled out via this link.