Newly Detected Mpox Strain in L.A. County Could Be More Severe and Contagious
Los Angeles County has reported its first cases of a more severe strain of mpox, known as “Clade I.” Notably, these cases involve individuals with no recent travel history to high-risk areas, marking a first in the United States. Detected earlier this week, one case emerged in Long Beach while the other was found in a different Los Angeles County location. After hospitalization, both patients are recovering at home.
Potential Severity and Contagion of Clade I
Distinguished from Clade II, which caused a global outbreak in 2022, Clade I is thought to result in more severe symptoms. The L.A. County Department of Public Health warns that Clade I could spread more easily through close personal contact, such as massage, cuddling, and sexual interaction. Despite the potentially serious nature of Clade I, authorities assure the general public that the risk of exposure remains low.
Official Response and Recommendations
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson underscores the importance of surveillance, prompt response, and vaccination efforts. Health officials urge anyone with unexplained rashes or lesions to avoid intimate contact and seek medical advice. Testing and vaccination against mpox are key preventative measures.
Symptoms and Transmission
- Symptoms include rash, pimples, blisters, fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
- The infection spreads via body fluids, sores, shared bedding, clothing, kissing, coughing, and sneezing.
The California Department of Public Health finds that while Clade I has historically caused more severe illness, recent cases appear less severe, given access to quality healthcare.
Clade I Cases: A National and Global Overview
| Region | Reported Cases |
|---|---|
| Central and Eastern Africa | 40,000+ |
| United States | 6 cases prior to these in Los Angeles |
According to the CDC, the risk to the general U.S. population is low. However, the risk for gay and bisexual men with multiple partners is categorized as low to moderate.
Vaccination and Prevention Strategies
An effective strategy to combat the spread includes vaccination. The two-dose Jynneos vaccine is available and recommended for individuals at higher risk. Vaccination sites can be found across pharmacies and through the manufacturer, Bavarian Nordic.
Eligible individuals include those exposed to the virus in the last two weeks, high-risk groups such as gay and bisexual men, and travelers to regions with outbreaks.
Emegypt stresses the necessity of preventive measures and encourages residents to take part in educational and vaccination initiatives to curb the spread of the virus. Vaccination is advised even for those who have only completed the initial dose.
