TITLE
Recommendation to review the need for continuing the local emergency related to the monkeypox virus, proclaimed by City Manager on August 2, 2022, and ratified by the City Council on August 9, 2022, and determine whether to terminate the local emergency at this time; and if the conditions so warrant, adopt resolution terminating the existence of a local emergency related to the monkeypox virus. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On August 9, 2022, the City Council ratified the City Manager’s August 2, 2022 proclamation of the existence of a local emergency in response to the international monkeypox (MPX) outbreak and the ongoing risk and potential for widespread community transmission of MPX occurring among the general public in the State of California as well as the City of Long Beach (City).
Monkeypox (MPX) virus 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 lesions or body fluid, or sharing contaminated items such as bedding and clothes. The current cases being reported do not have a travel history to endemic areas and many cases have reported sexual contact, primarily among men who have sex with men. The Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has been administering vaccines to help prevent disease for those most at risk, and antivirals as treatment for those who develop severe illness. To date, the Health Department has administered more than 6,600 doses throughout City managed vaccination sites as well as through pop up clinics in partnership with LGBTQ partners.
As of October 25, 2022, there are 121 confirmed and probable cases of MPX in Long Beach. While the case counts in Long Beach have slowed, the Health Department foresees a surge in cases due to local events and continues to allocate ext...
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