TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution to ratify City Manager’s Proclamation of Local Emergency regarding the serious and imminent threat of monkeypox virus (MPV). (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Monkeypox is a virus that is typically reported in Central and West Africa, making this virus endemic to those areas. Cases that occur outside of these endemic areas are typically linked to international travel. However, on May 7, 2022, reports of monkeypox cases in Europe and other non-endemic countries began to surface. Since May 2022, there are now more than 6,300 confirmed cases in the United States. As of August 2, 2022, there are over 1,100 confirmed and probable cases in the state of California. On July 23, 2022 the World Health Organization declared the MPV outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. On August 1, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency in response to the MPV.
On August 2, 2022, the City Manager issued a Proclamation of Local Emergency (Proclamation) (Attachment A), in response to the international MPV outbreak and the ongoing risk and potential for widespread community transmission of MPV occurring among the general public in the State of California as well as the City of Long Beach (City).
As of August 2, 2022, there are 22 confirmed and probable cases of monkeypox in Long Beach. While the case counts in Long Beach remain low, today’s recommended actions will provide the City with additional powers to coordinate local efforts, quickly distribute additional vaccine as it becomes available, and identify resources that may be necessary to fully address the response as cases continue to increase and the situation evolves.
MPV is similar to smallpox but causes less severe disease. Illness initially may include flu-like symptoms then progress to a rash that spreads over the body and can last two to four weeks. The virus can be spread person-to-person through prolonged face-to-face contact, direct contact with the lesio...
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