Published on
The California Department of Public Health has issued a warning that clade I mpox may be spreading in the state, “primarily impacting communities of gay and bisexual men,” after 3 cases of this rare, more severe strain of mpox were confirmed. At least 1 case occurred in a person with no recent travel who was recently hospitalized and has been discharged to recover at home, indicating that person-to-person community spread of clade I mpox is occurring in California. Meanwhile, the other 2 cases also required hospitalization with recovery at home. Around the world, this severe mpox strain has been spreading in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other African countries. Clade I mpox is different from clade II mpox, which has been circulating in California and the United States since 2022, however, both may present with flu-like symptoms, followed by a rash. The infections are diagnosed through laboratory testing.
Official word: State health officials note the risk of severe disease and hospitalization are highest for people with weakened immune systems, but the risk to the public is low. They recommend preventive measures, especially for those at high-risk, to receive both doses of the mpox vaccine. Information for clinical recognition and testing is available online.