Health Experts Alarmed by Severe Mpox Strain in California

Health officials in California reported on Friday that three residents have been diagnosed with a severe strain of mpox, known as Clade 1. This marks the first instance of this more virulent strain spreading within the United States, raising significant concerns among health experts.

The identified cases involve individuals from Long Beach and Los Angeles who had not traveled abroad recently. According to health officials, these patients required hospitalization but are now recovering at home in isolation. Notably, officials have yet to determine any link among the three cases.

Concerns About Community Spread

Clade 1 of mpox has been primarily circulating in central and eastern Africa, resulting in tens of thousands of infections and hundreds of deaths. In contrast, Clade 2, which led to an outbreak in the U.S. in 2022, caused approximately 30,000 infections but is associated with less severe illness. While Clade 2 continues to circulate at low levels across the country, there has been a recent uptick in infections in several cities since the summer.

Los Angeles health authorities have reported a total of 118 cases of mpox this year, a striking increase from none reported in 2024. Dr. Kelly Johnson, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, emphasized the importance of vigilance, especially for vulnerable groups, including individuals with weakened immune systems and men who have sex with men.

“My concern is that person-to-person, community spread could be ongoing,” Dr. Johnson stated. The potential for transmission remains a priority for health officials as both Clade 1 and Clade 2 can spread through intimate contact, household interactions, or sharing personal items.

Symptoms of mpox typically begin with flu-like indications, followed by a rash and painful lesions. As health officials continue to monitor the situation, they are urging the public to stay informed and take necessary precautions to limit the potential spread of this serious illness.

With the emergence of Clade 1, the situation underscores the ongoing challenges posed by infectious diseases and the importance of public awareness in managing health risks.