The initial case of mpox clade I was identified in California, but health officials reported that the risk to the public is still low as of Saturday.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are two variants of mpox: clade I and clade II, each with its own subclades exhibiting distinct traits, such as their transmission characteristics and the populations they impact.

However, the case shared on Saturday marks the first detection of the clade I variant in the United States.

This individual had recently traveled to eastern Africa where the clade I strain is prevalent, returning to California afterward, as stated by the CDC. Both state and federal health officials have confirmed that the risk to the public from this initial case is minimal.

The infected person is currently in isolation, and health officials are reaching out to those who may have been in contact with them, as previously reported by YSL News. Here’s what you should know about mpox, which was previously known as monkeypox.

Mpox Cases in the U.S. and Worldwide

This is the first reported case of clade I in the U.S., whereas 3,004 cases of clade II mpox have been documented since January 1, 2024, according to CDC statistics.

The current U.S. count of mpox cases represents about 14% of all clade I and clade II cases reported globally so far this year (21,370). Additionally, 11,911 cases have been recorded in locations where only clade I mpox exists.

State health officials reported no evidence of the clade I strain spreading among people in California or other U.S. locations.

Symptoms of Mpox

Historically, the clade I variant has caused more severe illness than clade II, which relates to other cases in the U.S. However, health officials in California are noting that recent infections suggest that the clade I strain may not be as severe clinically as in previous outbreaks, particularly when quality medical care is available.

The World Health Organization identifies the following symptoms of mpox:

• Painful rash with sores
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle pains
• Back pain

Transmission of Mpox

Mpox, which belongs to the same virus family as smallpox, is transmitted from animals to humans. It was previously named monkeypox as that is the species where it was first identified.

The virus spreads between humans through close contact which can include, but is not limited to, the following, as stated by the WHO:

• Sexual contact
• Bodily fluids
• Skin lesions or sores in areas like the mouth or throat
• Respiratory droplets
• Contaminated surfaces and objects

Preventing the Spread

• Avoid close contact with those infected, especially if they have visible skin or genital lesions
• Do not touch items that may have been in contact with an infected person, such as clothing, bedding, toothbrushes, sex toys, or healthcare materials
• Get both recommended doses of the mpox vaccine