California Reports First U.S. Case of Severe Mpox Strain; Public Risk Deemed Low

California health officials have confirmed the first U.S. case of a more severe mpox strain, clade 1b, in a traveler returning from Eastern Africa, according to the CDC. The individual was treated shortly after arriving in the U.S., and officials are working to identify anyone who may have been exposed.

Despite this development, the CDC states the risk to the general public is low. Casual contact, including during travel, is considered unlikely to lead to transmission.

Clade 1b, identified during a September outbreak in the Congo, has been linked to more severe symptoms and is suspected of spreading through household contact, often impacting children. This differs from clade 2b, which drove the 2022 global mpox outbreak that was primarily transmitted through close sexual contact. That outbreak was significantly curbed through widespread vaccination efforts.

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, causes rashes that can appear on various parts of the body, including hands, face, and genitals. While clade 2b continues to circulate at low levels in the U.S., the CDC does not currently recommend booster shots for high-risk individuals who are fully vaccinated.

Mpox in Kentucky

As of November 18, Kentucky has reported a total of 111 mpox cases (clade 2b), with the majority (59%) occurring in Jefferson County. For a detailed breakdown of cases, click here.

Find your local vaccination location here.

Prevention Tips

Nnowing how it spreads is key. Avoid direct contact with people actively infected by mpox, especially any type of contact that could be considered intimate. Following similar safety precautions to those for COVID-19, like wearing a mask, staying home and regularly washing your hands, can help, too. 

Heads up, though: Using condoms during sex will not completely prevent the spread of mpox, but it will reduce the risk. 

And if you’ve recently had mpox, avoid having sex with new partners for around three months.