Rare Mpox Strain Detected in California with No Travel Link — Officials Stay Vigilant
California health officials are investigating a possible local spread of a rare and more serious strain of mpox known as clade I, after identifying two cases in Los Angeles and Long Beach with no recent travel history.
Until now, this strain had only appeared in the U.S. among travelers returning from Africa. Its appearance here without a clear travel link signals a potential shift in how the virus may spread. Both cases were severe enough to require hospitalization, though the individuals have since been released and are recovering.
Health officials emphasise the risk to the general public remains low, but urge vigilance among vulnerable populations and those at higher risk of exposure. They are monitoring the situation closely and have begun tracing contacts and offering vaccinations to those at heightened risk.
What You Should Know:
- Mpox causes fevers, swollen glands and a rash or blisters, typically clearing within 2–4 weeks.
- The clade I strain is linked to more serious illness than the milder clade II, which caused the 2022 global outbreak.
- It spreads through close physical contact, including sexual exposure and direct contact with the rash or body fluids.
- Vaccination and early treatment remain key to controlling any outbreaks.
Officials are investigating how these cases emerged without a travel history and whether there is ongoing community transmission. They’ve asked health providers to report any suspected mpox cases promptly and made vaccine resources available for at-risk adults.
