United States Records First Case of Emerging Mpox Strain

California has documented the initial US instance of mpox, previously known as monkeypox, linked to a novel outbreak. The state’s department of health, the CDPH, confirmed that this new case originated from the Clade I strain, which differs from the Clade II strain circulating in the US since 2022. The individual, currently self-isolating at home, had recently traveled to Africa. The CDPH stated that their infection was “related to the ongoing outbreak of Clade I mpox in Central and Eastern Africa”. Earlier this year, the World Health Organization declared mpox a global health emergency. The CDPH noted that historically, Clade I cases have typically led to more severe illness compared to Clade II. However, the department also indicated that “recent infections from Clade I mpox may not be as clinically severe as in previous outbreaks”. Mpox is caused by a virus belonging to the same family as smallpox, though it is generally considerably less harmful. Initially transmitted from animals to humans, it now also spreads among humans. Early symptoms include fever, headaches, swellings, back pain, and aching muscles. A rash, which can be intensely itchy or painful, may subsequently develop. The infection can resolve spontaneously and typically lasts between 14 and 21 days, but it has proven fatal in some instances, particularly for vulnerable populations such as small children. Mpox is most prevalent in remote villages within the tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa, in nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), where its presence has been observed for many years. Hundreds of fatalities occurred during an initial outbreak in DR Congo earlier this year, and the illness has since extended into parts of Central and East Africa. Outbreaks can be managed by preventing infections through vaccination. However, these vaccines are generally only accessible to individuals at risk or those who have had close contact with an infected person. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.