Fresno monkeypox cases grow to 13. How county will use vaccines

Cases of monkeypox in Fresno County jumped to 13 since the first case was noted a month ago, the county’s top health officer said Thursday.

Dr. Rais Vohra reported the increase during a news conference where it was also reported that county health officials received 730 vaccine doses to combat the virus and administered nearly 210 doses. It was also noted that officials have plans to stretch the supply by changing the injection method. That could multiply the county’s injections fivefold.

In the news conference, it was also reported that officials are planning vaccine clinics.

Vohra said it is still believed that those most at risk of monkeypox are those who have intimate contact with another person, with a higher incidence among gay men, individuals with multiple sexual partners, and family members who share a home with an infected person.

New COVID variant; safety advice

During the news conference, county officials also reported the first case of a new COVID-19 variant, BA. 2.75, known as “Centaurus,” in the county. It was first identified in India, and is now the most common subvariant. So far, it has not caused hospitalizations or deaths.

Because COVID-19 is still active, Vohra urged students returning to schools to wear well-fitting masks, and get fully vaccinated. Everyone who is sick should stay home and get tested, he added.

This story was originally published August 18, 2022 at 7:21 PM.