California confirmed first known case of more severe strain of mpox

California health authorities confirmed the first known case of a more severe strain of mpox (clade I) in the United States. The infected individual had recently traveled to East Africa and is currently recovering at home . This case highlights the ongoing global concerns surrounding infectious diseases and their potential for severe manifestations. Clade I, historically associated with more severe illness compared to clade II, raises questions about public health responses and preparedness in managing emerging strains.

The person diagnosed with clade I mpox had recently traveled from Eastern Africa, where an mpox outbreak is ongoing. The person was treated at a local medical facility and released, the CDC said. The person has been isolating at home and their symptoms are improving. The state and CDC are working to identify and follow up with potential contacts.The risk to the public remains low. Mpox is transferred through close contact, including sexual contact, kissing, cuddling or other skin-to-skin contact. Symptoms include blistered skin rashes, ulcers on the body and flu-like symptoms, like headache, backache and muscle ache.

Mpox has been spreading in the US since 2022, when the World Health Organization (Who) declared a global health emergency for the spread of the disease, which is endemic to central and western Africa.

Health officials earlier this month said the situation in Congo appears to be stabilizing. The Africa CDC has estimated Congo needs at least 3 million mpox vaccines to stop the spread, and another 7 million vaccines for the rest of Africa. The spread is mostly through sexual transmission as well as through close contact among children, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups.

Mpox is most common in remote villages in the tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa, in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), where it has been seen for many years.

Hundreds of people died during an initial outbreak in DR Congo earlier this year, and the disease has since spread to areas of Central and East Africa.

Despite the severity associated with clade I, health officials have emphasized that the public risk remains low. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that there is no evidence of community spread related to this case . Moreover, recent data suggest that with appropriate medical care, outcomes may not be as dire as previously thought. Existing prevention guidelines for mpox continue to apply without modification .

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Sarah H

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