Public health officials have reported the first case of clade I mpox in the United States in a traveler to California.
Clade I mpox is distinct from clade II mpox, which has been circulating in Southern California, throughout the state, and across the United States since 2022.
Health officials confirmed through laboratory testing that the infection was confirmed in an individual who recently traveled to California from Africa. CDPH said the cases are linked to an ongoing clade I mpox outbreak in Central and East Africa.
“Historically, clade I has caused more severe disease than clade II. However, recent infections caused by clade I mpox have been associated with previous infections, especially when patients have access to high-quality health care.” “It may not be as clinically severe as the previous outbreak,” health officials said.
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CDPH said the infected person was treated in San Mateo County based on his travel history and symptoms, is isolating at home and recovering, and calling public health workers to anyone who may have been in contact with the infected person. He added that he had been notified.
“There is currently no concern or evidence that mpox clade I is widespread among individuals in California or the United States,” health officials said.
According to the health department, clade I mpox appears to be spread in a similar way as clade II mpox: through close skin-to-skin contact and intimate sexual activity.
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