Local health officials warn of recent spike in mpox cases

Valley doctors are warning of a comeback in mpox cases in Southern California. 

And in light of Greater Palm Springs Pride this week, they want to make sure people are vaccinated and take precautions.

This month, two new cases were reported in Riverside County, the first since July.

And there are 10 new cases in nearby San Diego County, half of whom were fully vaccinated.

The disease has disproportionately affected men who have sex with men. Infectious disease doctors say they're concerned there could be more cases surrounding Pride Week.

"Now that we know a lot of these cases involved people who were either partially vaccinated or fully vaccinated, what does that say about the strength of the vaccine?" Peter Daut asked Dr. Phyllis Ritchie, CEO and founder of PS Test.

Ritchie answered, "The vaccine's good. So if you had two vaccinations, which is fully vaccinated, it works. If you happen to get a case of M-Pox after being fully vaccinated, it should be mild."

Ritchie added, "San Diego is awfully close to Palm Springs, and our Pride is coming up. And as you know, people come from all over the world here. So we have to be wary of that and people have to look out for it. We'll be looking out for it in our clinic."

Arballo reminded residents to get vaccinated against mpox. Click here to learn about planned clinics. You can also get vaccinated on Friday, Nov. 3 at Palm Springs Pride from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

For more mpox info or to make a vaccine appointment in Riverside County, visit ruhealth.org/mpox.