How many monkeypox cases in my state? California reports highest numbers, first known US death

As the monkeypox outbreak continues to spread worldwide, cases across the U.S. are climbing. And on Monday, Los Angeles County reported what is believed to be the first recorded U.S. death linked to the virus.

Confirmed cases of monkeypox have reached more than 59,600 worldwide, according to Wednesday numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The outbreak, first spotted in Europe in late April, has reached 103 countries – the vast majority in nations that hadn't previously had significant caseloads of the rare, viral infection.

In addition to the California death, the CDC has confirmed that 18 people outside the U.S. have died of the disease in 2022. Still, the world's largest monkeypox outbreak belongs to the U.S.

The U.S. had reported 22,774 confirmed monkeypox/orthopoxvirus cases as of Wednesday, per the CDC. Highly-populated states are leading the numbers – with 4,300 confirmed cases in California, followed by 3,694 confirmed cases in New York.

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California monkeypox death, possible prior death in Texas

On Monday, Los Angles County health officials announced that a resident had died from monkeypox, with the cause of death confirmed by the autopsy. The patient was severely immunocompromised and had been hospitalized, officials said.

It's possible that this marks the first recorded U.S. death from monkeypox, but health officials are also investigating whether monkeypox contributed to the August death of a Texas adult. That patient was also severely immunocompromised, the Texas Department of State Health Services said.

California: First known monkeypox death in US confirmed by LA County health officials

Texas: Officials investigating whether monkeypox played role in death of immunocompromised adult

Monkeypox vaccines in the US

Many have criticized the Biden administration for not acting more quickly at the start of the outbreak, including a slow launch on testing and vaccine rollout to meet demand, but the White House said last week that it was optimistic about rising vaccinations.

In order to stretch the nation's limited supply, U.S. health officials authorized a plan on Aug. 9 to give people one-fifth of the usual dose of the Jynneos vaccine, citing research that suggests the reduced amount is about as effective. This came days after the Biden administration announced a nationwide public health emergency.

As of Sept. 8, more than 460,000 doses have been given, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, the deputy coordinator of the White House national monkeypox response, said last week.

The administration has also promised to ramp up vaccination offerings at large LGBTQ events, like Pride festivals, around the country in the coming weeks.

Monkeypox is not a gay disease. But LGBTQ leaders say they need more help for gay men and everyone else

Repeating history: After repeating early COVID mistakes, US now has the world’s biggest monkeypox outbreak

Monkeypox does not usually cause serious illness – however, it can result in hospitalization or death. The virus is spread through close, physical contact. The current outbreak is primarily affecting men who have sex with men (93% of U.S. cases), but health officials stress that the virus can infect anyone.

However, experts have also stressed concerns of worsening racial disparities in the reported cases. Latino and Black people have been disproportionately infected.

Racial disparities: Black, Hispanic people disproportionately suffer monkeypox but fewer are getting the vaccine, early data shows

Monkeypox cases by state

Here's where confirmed cases stand across U.S. states and territories, according to CDC numbers from Wednesday, September 13:

Alabama: 90

Alaska: 3

Arizona: 399

Arkansas: 52

California: 4,300

Colorado: 235

Connecticut: 114

Delaware: 35

District of Columbia: 473

Florida: 2,301

Georgia: 1,614

Hawaii: 25

Idaho: 12

Illinois: 1,187

Indiana: 195

Iowa: 22

Kansas: 7

Kentucky: 39

Louisiana: 219

Maine: 7

Maryland: 598

Massachusetts: 356

Michigan: 237

Minnesota: 163

Mississippi: 55

Missouri: 70

Montana: 5

Nebraska: 28

Nevada: 204

New Hampshire: 27

New Jersey: 633

New Mexico: 33

New York: 3,694

North Carolina: 435

North Dakota: 5

Ohio: 236

Oklahoma: 31

Oregon: 183

Pennsylvania: 678

Puerto Rico: 155

Rhode Island: 61

South Carolina: 133

South Dakota: 2

Tennessee: 239

Texas: 2,017

Utah: 128

Vermont: 3

Virginia: 422

Washington: 535

West Virginia: 10

Wisconsin: 64

Wyoming: 2

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Contributing: Celina Tebor, Cady Stanton, Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY. The Associated Press.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Monkeypox state cases: New York, California numbers amid US emergency