Health authorities reported 10 new cases of monkeypox in the Coachella Valley

Cases of monkeypox quadrupled in less than a week here in Riverside County.

This Thursday, health authorities announced ten new cases in the Coachella Valley.

This means that so far a total of 28 local infections have been recorded.

However, they emphasized that the probability of contracting monkeypox is low, but it is important to take preventive measures to avoid contracting it.

“We are telling the community that although the risk is very low for the general population, we must be vigilant,” county spokeswoman Jausca Machado said.

According to the county health department, the 10 new suspected infections are among residents aged 21 to 71.

They are all residents of the Coachella Valley.

The gender of those newly diagnosed is unknown, however, 18 of the cases reported before today were among men.

“We are closely watching how monkeypox develops, and so far Riverside County has received at least 1,000 doses of the vaccine,” Machado said.

For now, the vaccine is prioritized for those at high risk of contracting the virus.

Supervisor Manuel Perez says they are working to get and distribute more vaccines.

“It’s important for us as a county to work at the state level to get the necessary tests and vaccinations done to see how we can help people,” Perez said.

Monkeypox spreads through skin-to-skin contact.

“It causes things like rashes, headaches, and body aches, and it basically spreads with scabs that form,” said Dr. Renzo Corzano of Desert Oasis Healthcare.

It’s not a sexually transmitted disease, says Dr. Corzano, but the recent outbreak in the country affects gay men the most.

But the danger is not limited to the LGBTQ community.

“If someone has a new rash, they should go talk to their primary care doctors so they can treat it,” Dr. Corzano said.

Therefore, he states that the Coachella Valley community makes informed decisions to protect their health.

“To remain vigilant, and to take care of themselves,” Dr. Corzano concluded.

Riverside County has launched a website with more information about monkeypox.

Here’s the link.