2nd CA Child Tests Positive For Monkeypox In SoCal

LONG BEACH, CA — Long Beach authorities on Tuesday confirmed a pediatric monkeypox case in the city just hours after Los Angeles County ratified a local emergency declaration for monkeypox.

The young Long Beach resident was believed to be the second child in California to test positive for monkeypox, according ABC7. The child was symptomatic but has since recovered, according to Long Beach authorities.

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in California for the contagious viral disease spreading quickly in the Golden State.

There were 20 confirmed and probably cases of monkeypox in Long Beach by Tuesday, authorities said. Los Angeles County had 423 confirmed cases of monkeypox as of Tuesday.

Following the new pediatric case, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services conducted a contact investigation and offered vaccines to anyone exposed.

"This is a reminder that everyone, regardless of age or sexual orientation, can get monkeypox if they come into contact with the virus," the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services said in a news release. "Monkeypox can spread through close or prolonged skin-to-skin or face-to-face contact, including between household members. This can include hugging, kissing, cuddling, holding and feeding. It can also spread through contaminated materials, such as cups, bedding, clothing, towels and utensils."

People with monkeypox-related symptoms should contact their healthcare provider, the department said. Visit the department's website for more information on symptoms.

“While news of a pediatric case may cause alarm, please remember that monkeypox is still rare, is much more difficult to get than COVID-19 and other common childhood illnesses, and is rarely dangerous,” Long Beach City Health Officer Anissa Davis said in a news release.