Mpox strain appears in US without international travel, raising fears of wider outbreak

A new strain of mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, has emerged in Southern California.

There have been three confirmed cases of clade I mpox, according to the California Department of Health (CDPH), which issued a statement on October 17.

The unrelated cases were identified in the city of Long Beach and Los Angeles County.

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The department warned that while the public health risk remains low, this was the first time the patients had no history of recent international travel.

This indicates community transmission from person to person, which can occur through intimate contact. Normally, mpox cases arrive from outside the country.

All three patients required hospitalization but are now recovering.

CDPH urged residents at risk of contracting the disease from a partner to receive both doses of the mpox vaccine. Mpox often affects communities of gay and bisexual men.

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Both clade I and clade II mpox can be transmitted through intimate physical contact; direct skin-to-skin contact with rash, scabs, or body fluids; sharing living space or personal items with an infected person; or from a pregnant woman to a fetus or baby, according to health organizations.

According to the CDPH, casual contact, such as on a plane, office, or store, is unlikely to spread mpox.

Dr. Rita Nguyen, deputy state public health director, wrote in the CDPH notice that the department will continue to monitor the situation to reduce the spread and recommended that Californians “stay informed and take preventive measures.”

“Especially [for] “For people who are more likely to be exposed to mpox, cases of clade I mpox can be serious,” he said.

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“The risk of severe illness and hospitalization is higher for people with weakened immune systems, so it is critical to protect yourself by receiving both doses of the mpox vaccine if you or your sexual partner(s) may be at risk for mpox.”

The symptoms of Mpox may first resemble those of the flu, followed by a rash. The virus can be diagnosed through laboratory tests.

People exposed to mpox should be vaccinated as soon as possible and before symptoms develop, and should also avoid intimate contact for 21 days, according to health agencies.

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People who develop symptoms should talk to their doctor immediately for testing. Mpox-positive patients should isolate themselves at home and avoid contact with other people until the rash heals.