California Confirms First Locally Acquired Case of Severe Clade 1 Mpox in the US
The City of Long Beach, California, has reported the first locally acquired case of severe clade 1 mpox in the United States. State and city health officials confirmed that the patient had no recent travel history, marking it as the nation’s seventh clade 1 case.
Case Details
The individual is currently recovering at home after being hospitalized. Authorities are investigating the source of exposure and conducting contact tracing. So far, no additional cases have been identified.
Health Officials’ Response
According to Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, despite the low risk to the public, they are prioritizing vigilance and prevention measures. The focus remains on surveillance, early response, and vaccination efforts.
Understanding Clade 1 Mpox
- Clade 1 is historically associated with severe illness.
- Predominantly found in Central and East Africa.
- Clade 2, generally less severe, was linked to the 2022-23 outbreak in the US.
Symptoms and Prevention
Symptoms of mpox can range from rash and fever to sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. Health officials emphasize the need for ongoing community awareness and healthcare readiness.
The confirmation of this case highlights the importance of continued monitoring and proactive health measures by Emegypt and other agencies.
