The San Francisco Monthly STI Report (sfdph.org) for August is now available for viewing here or click on the image.

In early June, the first case of monkeypox (now known as MPX) was identified in San Francisco, and as of October 12, 2022, a total of 824 cases have been identified in SF. There has been a notable decline in mpox case counts over the past month, mirroring state and national trends. Declines in cases are likely attributed to SF’s efforts to prioritize equitable vaccine distribution  and make vaccine available to anyone at risk for mpox, with > 27,000 doses administered. Check out the new SF mpox dashboard, which shows new and cumulative cases, case demographics, and vaccine data.

On October 12, 2022, SFDPH expanded vaccine eligibility criteria in alignment with CDPH’s recent eligibility expansion. Updates are italicized below:

• Gay or bisexual men, or any man, trans, or nonbinary person who has sex with men, trans, or nonbinary people
• Sex workers of any sexual orientation or gender identity
• Persons of any age and any gender who have had close contact within the past 6 months with someone with suspected or confirmed mpox  
• Persons who had sex or close contact with others at a venue or event or within a social group within the past 6 months where a suspected or confirmed MPX case was identified. This includes persons who received notice from a venue or event of a potential exposure.  
• Persons living with HIV  
• Persons who are taking or are eligible to take HIV PrEP
• Sexual contacts of any of the persons above  
• Persons who anticipate experiencing any of the above  
• Laboratory workers who routinely perform MPX virus testing  
• Clinicians who are likely to collect laboratory specimens from persons with mpox  
• Clinicians who have had a high-risk occupational exposure (e.g., examined mpox lesions or collected mpox specimens without using recommended personal protective equipment)

In addition, SFDPH and other Bay Area counties are now offering 2nd doses to those who are ≥ 28 days from their first dose.  For additional information, visit MPX Vaccine | San Francisco (sf.gov).

You can continue to find updated mpox guidance for SF providers at www.sfcdcp.org/monkeypoxHCP, including information on testing, treatment, and patient education.

For the full monthly report this editorial appeared in, please visit Department of Public Health - Research, Health Assessments & Data (sfdph.org) webpage and scroll down to San Francisco Monthly STI Reports.