Monkeypox fatality confirmed in Los Angeles
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This marks the first death in the state and possibly in the country.
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People wait in line to get the monkeypox vaccine at St. John’s Well Child & Family Center. (Los Angeles Times)
The first US fatality from Monkeypox was recorded in Los Angeles after a resident with a compromised immune system died.
The Los Angeles Department of Public Health verified the death on Monday, stating that the person was seriously immunocompromised and had been hospitalized. No other information was revealed about the individual.
The fatality was determined to be the result of Monkeypox by the department and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A CDC official confirmed the collaboration but could not react immediately when asked if this was the first death in the United States.
It is the second known death in the United States of a person diagnosed with the condition. Last month, Texas reported the first fatality from monkeypox in a highly immunocompromised person. However, the case is currently being investigated to determine the role of Monkeypox in the death.
Read next: California becomes second state to declare Monkeypox emergency
Monkeypox is rarely lethal, but people with compromised immune systems are more likely to become extremely ill or die, according to health officials. Monkeypox can cause a rash, fever, body pains, and chills, but only a few people need to be hospitalized, and only a few deaths have been directly connected to the disease worldwide.
The Biden administration and the CDC have been chastised for their tardy response to the virus but have recently announced plans to give over 2 million additional immunizations. Cases in several major US cities appear to be falling, mirroring European trends, and experts are cautiously optimistic that the outbreak may have peaked in the hardest-hit areas.
The United States has the most confirmed cases worldwide, with 21,985 confirmed cases. California has the most cases in the country, with over 4,300, according to the CDC. Black and Latino populations have been disproportionately affected.
Read next: NY declares state disaster emergency for monkeypox outbreak
