5 more likely monkeypox cases reported in Riverside County; total at 76

Riverside County Public Health reported an additional five confirmed or probable monkeypox cases in the county on Thursday.

The five cases are among men between the ages of 30 and 60. Four are from the Coachella Valley, while one is from western Riverside County.

Public Health is not disclosing the cities where people who get the virus live, at least for now, saying it could lead to patient identification.

There have been 76 confirmed and probable monkeypox cases reported in Riverside County as of Thursday.

Related: Riverside County Public Health declares public health emergency as monkeypox cases grow

More: New delivery of monkeypox vaccine could expand availability, prioritization in Riverside County

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus. People usually become infected through close contact with skin lesions or bodily fluids of infected animals or humans (alive or dead), including droplets, or clothing and linens from an infected person. The virus can also be spread through sexual contact, but it is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection.

Symptoms can occur five to 21 days after exposure, and include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, rash and lesions often in the genital and perianal region. Illness typically lasts for two to four weeks.

Anyone who believes they have been exposed to monkeypox should contact their healthcare provider.

Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 5 new likely monkeypox cases reported in Riverside County; total at 76