San Diego County reports rise in mpox cases; expands outreach and vaccine access

San Diego County reported a rise in local mpox cases and said it is expanding public outreach and vaccination access.

The county said 16 cases were confirmed since October 2026 and 48 cases have been reported so far this year; that compares with 35 cases in 2025.

The county said Clade II has driven most regional cases since 2022 and that Clade I has circulated in California since 2025; San Diego County has confirmed 10 Clade I cases since July 2026. The county said it is now seeing evidence of local transmission and public health experts believe it may be linked to travel within the state.

The county said the two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine protects against both variants; of the 16 cases reported since October 2026, 10 were unvaccinated.

“With this recent increase in local cases, we are reminding people at risk to get the two-dose vaccine as soon as possible,” said Ankita Kadakia, MD, County Deputy Public Health Officer. “It remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you. If you still need the second dose, it is never too late to receive it.”

The county said it has moved case reporting from monthly to weekly and that JYNNEOS vaccines are available at Sexual Health Clinics located in regional Public Health Centers for anyone in need, including people who are uninsured or underinsured. The county urged anyone at increased risk or who believes they were exposed to contact their health care provider and to visit the county’s mpox information webpage for details; residents can also get text updates by texting COSD MPOX to 98256.

Symptoms include a rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, body aches and fatigue; most cases are mild, and the county said the vaccine is very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death.

See something we should correct? Read our corrections policy.