California continues to be at the center of the MPX (formerly known as monkeypox) outbreak with 4,140 reported cases, roughly 20% of the nation's total. San Francisco has the state's second highest number of reported cases in our state, with the tally at 763 as of September 9, 2022. It may be higher because many cases do not get reported.

Because of the slow federal response this summer, state and local efforts have been key to combatting the MPX virus. We must make sure hospitals, clinics, patients, and advocacy groups continue to get what they need during a public health emergency. As Assembly Budget Chair, I quickly advocated for $41.5 million in emergency state funding to strengthen California's response to this latest virus - an announcement I made today outside Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. This funding not only keeps resources flowing, but it also builds them up. Now the state can increase access to vaccines, testing and treatment, as well as boost outreach and education efforts.

This new budget allocation includes disadvantaged and marginalized communities because one of the key lessons of COVID-19 has been the need for our public health system to better serve them. While the MPX virus can infect anyone, the overwhelming majority of cases in San Francisco are among gay and bisexual men and trans people. Confronting this transmissible disease is important no matter who it impacts.

If you need more information about MPX, please visit the California Department of Public Health. Similar information is available at our districts' local public health departments, including vaccine and testing sites. Visit SF.gov if you live in San Francisco or San Mateo County Health if you live in Daly City, South San Francisco, Colma, Brisbane or Broadmoor.

Stay Safe,