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Monkeypox
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. The Orthopoxvirus genus also includes variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.
U.S. Monkeypox Outbreak 2022: Situation Summary
Overview
Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are tracking multiple cases of monkeypox that have been reported in several countries that don’t normally report monkeypox (view global map), including the United States. For travelers, see: Travel Health Notice for Monkeypox in Multiple Countries.
It’s not clear how the people were exposed to monkeypox, but early data suggest that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men make up a high number of cases. However, anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox is at risk. Read More......
Monkeypox Community Town Hall Meeting
August 23, 2022 at 6:00 PM
As part of our Positive Life Series HARP-PS is convening a public town hall meeting with county & state public health officials and our local providers to inform the community about monkeypox in the Coachella Valley. This will be a bi-weekly meeting so stay tuned for future invitations.
CDC Monkeypox Information and Resources
Public-Facing Resources for LGBTQ+ communities:
Riverside County Monkeypox information

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. The Orthopoxvirus genus also includes variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.
Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Despite being named “monkeypox”, the source of the disease remains unknown. However, African rodents and non-human primates (like monkeys) may harbor the virus and infect people.
Supportive Home Care Guide for Monkeypox by the Riverside County Department of Public Health