NBC News Health officials are warning of a concerning rise in mpox cases in Riverside County, with 24 cases reported so far this year and more than half occurring in the last two months.
The increase comes as Pride celebrations get underway across the Coachella Valley. Doctors at DAP Health say the surge serves as a reminder that the virus continues to circulate in Southern California.
Mpox is a viral disease that causes fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. The illness spreads primarily through close, prolonged contact with an infected person. Health officials have identified two types—or clades—of the virus now circulating in the region.
Medical providers are urging anyone who has not completed the two-dose mpox vaccine series to do so immediately. The vaccine is particularly recommended for individuals at higher risk, including those with multiple sexual partners or underlying health conditions.
Riverside County Public Health will offer free mpox vaccines, along with HIV and STI testing, at Palm Springs Pride events. The county also provides monthly vaccination clinics year-round for residents seeking protection.