First U.S. Case of Severe Mpox Strain Detected in California

The first U.S. case of mpox clade I has been reported in California, but public health officials state the risk to the public is low. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has two clades, with clade I historically causing more severe illness. The virus spreads through close contact and exposure to bodily fluids or contaminated objects. Preventative measures include avoiding contact with infected individuals and receiving the mpox vaccine. The infected individual recently traveled from eastern Africa and is currently in isolation.