Mpox clade 1 detected in California, 1st case reported in US
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reported today on the first known case of clade I mpox in the United States. The specimen was tested by the state lab and confirmation testing by the CDC is pending.
According to CDPH, case was confirmed in an individual who recently traveled from Africa and is related to the ongoing outbreak of clade I mpox in Central and Eastern Africa.
The affected individual received health care in San Mateo County based on their travel history and symptoms. The individual is isolating at home and recovering.
People who had close contact with this individual are being contacted by public health workers, but there is no concern or evidence that mpox clade I is currently spreading between individuals in California or the United States.
There are two broad clades of the virus: clade I and II. Clade II was behind the global mpox outbreak that began in 2022.
The current understanding is that clade I leads to more severe disease and death than clade II in the populations where it is endemic.
Each clade of the virus has subclades, clade Ia and clade Ib; clade IIb. Outbreaks from the subclades can have different characteristics, like who they affect, how they're spread, or even how many deaths they cause.
Mpox can cause a range of signs and symptoms. While some people have less severe symptoms, others may develop more serious illness and need care in a health facility. Common symptoms of mpox include a rash which may last for 2–4 weeks. This may start with, or be followed by, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands (lymph nodes). The rash looks like blisters or sores, and can affect the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, groin, genital and/or anal regions. These lesions may also be found in the mouth, throat, anus, rectum or vagina, or on the eyes. The number of sores can range from one to several thousand. Some people develop inflammation inside the rectum (proctitis) that can cause severe pain, as well as inflammation of the genitals that may cause difficulties urinating.
In most cases, the symptoms of mpox go away on their own within a few weeks with supportive care, such as medication for pain or fever. However, in some people, the illness can be severe or lead to complications and even death.
CDPH offers the following advice for prevention of contracting mpox:
Getting vaccinated if you may be at risk for mpox. For the greatest protection, make sure you get both doses of the vaccine.
Taking precautions if you were exposed to mpox. Get the mpox vaccine before symptoms develop and consider avoiding intimate contact with others for 21 days. Watch yourself for symptoms and get tested if they develop.
Preventing spread if you have been told you have mpox. Avoid contact with others until the rash is healed, clean and disinfect shared areas in the home, and notify people who may have been exposed.
Talking to your sexual partner(s).
Avoiding skin-to-skin contact with those who have a rash or sores that look like mpox.
Not sharing items with someone who has mpox.
Washing your hands often.
Protecting yourself when caring for someone with mpox by using masks, gowns and gloves.
Officials say the risk to the public remains very low.