LOS ANGELES — Orange County health officials this week confirmed the county’s first case of monkeypox in a child, a rare circumstance even as the virus continues to spread statewide.
“Please remember that monkeypox is very uncommon in children,” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, Orange County’s health officer. “It is important to note that many childhood illnesses can cause rashes. If you or your children have a new or unusual rash, please follow preventive guidance and seek medical attention from a qualified health care professional for further recommendations.”
There have been at least five other juvenile monkeypox cases in California. Still, the youth illnesses make up only about 2% of the state’s total cases of monkeypox, which have now surpassed 3,000, state data show. In Orange County, officials had confirmed 126 cases as of Wednesday.
