Third Case of Potentially More Severe Mpox Strain Confirmed in Los Angeles County
A third case of a potentially more severe strain of mpox, known as Clade I, was confirmed in Los Angeles County today, raising concerns about possible local spread of the virus.
The three cases, all reported this week, mark the first time this particular type of mpox has been identified in the United States among individuals with no recent travel history to high-risk areas. The initial case was reported Tuesday in Long Beach, with subsequent cases identified Thursday and Friday among other Los Angeles County residents. All three patients required hospitalization but have since recovered at home. “At this time, no clear link has been identified between the cases,” stated the L.A. County Department of Public Health. This development is particularly noteworthy as Clade I has historically caused more severe illness than the Clade II strain that drove a global outbreak in 2022.
Clade I mpox can spread through close personal contact, including activities like massage or cuddling, in addition to sexual contact, and may cause more severe illness. “While the overall risk of exposure to the public remains low, we are taking this very seriously,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports over 40,000 cases of Clade I mpox in central and eastern Africa, where multiple transmission routes, including contact with animals, have been documented. The Jynneos vaccine, available at locations like Walgreens and CVS, is recommended for those at higher risk, and individuals who received only one dose can now complete their vaccination series.
Health officials urge anyone developing an unexplained rash or lesions to avoid sex and intimate contact and seek immediate medical evaluation. Dr. Muntu Davis, the L.A. County health officer, stated that officials are “working closely with our partners to identify potential sources and understand how this potentially more serious type of the mpox virus may be spreading.”
