Health officials have confirmed that a more virulent strain of mpox, known as Clade 1, has been linked to severe illness in three California residents. This marks the first instance of this strain spreading within the United States, raising concerns among public health experts. The patients, who had not traveled abroad, were identified in Long Beach and Los Angeles.
According to officials, Clade 1 has been prevalent in central and eastern Africa, resulting in tens of thousands of infections and hundreds of fatalities. In contrast, Clade 2, which caused a significant outbreak in the U.S. in 2022, resulted in approximately 30,000 cases but tends to lead to less severe illness. Currently, Clade 2 continues to circulate at low levels across the United States, although a rise in infections has been observed in several cities since summer 2023.
Los Angeles health officials reported a total of 118 cases of mpox this year, a stark increase from none recorded in 2024. The three patients affected by the Clade 1 strain were hospitalized but are now recovering at home in isolation. Officials have yet to establish a connection between the cases.
Health Experts Emphasize Vigilance
Dr. Kelly Johnson, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, expressed her concerns regarding potential community spread of the virus. While she noted that the risk of infection remains low for the general population, she urged heightened vigilance, particularly among individuals with weakened immune systems and men who have sex with men.
“My concern is that person-to-person, community spread could be ongoing,” Dr. Johnson stated. Both strains of mpox can be transmitted through intimate contact, within households, or by sharing personal items. Symptoms typically begin with flulike signs, followed by a rash and painful lesions.
As health officials continue to monitor the situation, they are prioritizing education and preventive measures to mitigate the spread of mpox. Public awareness campaigns are being ramped up to inform communities about the symptoms and transmission methods of the virus.
In summary, the emergence of the Clade 1 strain in California highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in public health efforts. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring infectious diseases and implementing effective strategies for prevention and treatment.
