Arizona health officials report a confirmed travel-associated case of Clade I mpox in an Arizona resident earlier this month. They report that the individual contacted it while traveling outside the country.
There is currently no evidence of local transmission connected to this case. Public health officials are working to prevent additional infections through monitoring and follow-ups with people who may have been exposed.
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) says had reported 34 mpox cases (Clade I and II) this year, an increase in cases.
Clade I cases are usually found in parts of Africa and are less common in the United States.
Both types of mpox cause similar symptoms and we currently recommend using the same prevention measures including testing, vaccination, clinical management, and public health response.
Mpox is an infection caused by the monkeypox virus. It mainly spreads through close personal contact with someone who has mpox.
This may include:
Direct skin-to-skin contact with a rash, sores, scabs, or body fluids
Close physical contact
Sharing bedding, towels, clothing, or other personal items
Prolonged close contact with someone who has mpox
The infection can pass to a baby during pregnancy
Casual contact in places such as stores, offices, or airplanes is unlikely to spread mpox.
Symptoms may include a new or unexplained rash that looks like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy. Some people may also experience fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, or respiratory symptoms.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
Get vaccinated if you may be at risk. If you recently had close physical contact with someone who has mpox, you have an increased risk of contracting the disease. The JYNNEOS vaccine can help prevent mpox and reduce the risk of severe illness. Two doses provide the best protection.
If you were exposed to someone with mpox: Contact a healthcare provider or local health department as soon as possible. You can get vaccinated after an exposure. Vaccination is most effective when given within four days of exposure but may still reduce illness when given within 14 days. Check for symptoms for 21 days after your last contact.
If you develop symptoms: Avoid close contact with others, isolate at home, and contact a healthcare provider for testing. Tell your provider about any recent travel and possible exposure to mpox.
If you have mpox: Stay home and away from other people until all sores have healed, scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. Cover rashes or lesions with clothing, gloves, or bandages if you must be around others.
Avoid skin-to-skin contact and do not share bedding, towels, clothing, or personal items with someone who has symptoms or has been diagnosed with mpox.
Mpox Can Be Spread Through Sex
Do not have sex or close physical contact if you or your partner has a new or unexplained rash, sores, or other symptoms of mpox.
Condoms may reduce exposure in some areas of the body but may not prevent all mpox exposures because sores can appear elsewhere on the body.
Consider reducing your number of partners