Mpox strain that may be more severe and easily spread is found in L.A. County for first time

"While the overall risk of ... exposure to the public remains low, we are taking this very seriously,"

"This underscores the importance of continued surveillance, early response and vaccination."

"The identification of cases of Clade I mpox, which may cause more severe illness than the more-common Clade II, is concerning,"

"recent infections from Clade I mpox may not be as clinically severe as in previous outbreaks, especially when cases have access to quality medical care."

Two cases of Clade I mpox were confirmed in Los Angeles County in residents with no recent overseas travel. The first case involved a Long Beach resident; the second involved a county resident. Both patients required hospitalization and have since returned home and are recovering. Clade I differs from the Clade II strain that caused the 2022 global outbreak and may cause more severe illness and spread more easily. Transmission can occur through close personal contact, including body fluids, sores, shared bedding or clothing, kissing, and other intimate contact such as massage. Officials emphasize surveillance, early response, and vaccination. The California Department of Public Health noted that recent Clade I infections may be less severe when quality medical care is available.

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