First U.S. Mpox Clade I Case in California

The first U.S. case of the more deadly Clade I mpox strain has been confirmed in California, after a patient returned from East Africa where this strain is prevalent. The patient is recovering at home in San Mateo County, with health officials stating the public risk is low due to the transmission mode requiring direct contact. Clade I mpox is more severe than the Clade II variant, which has been circulating in the U.S. since 2022. The CDC, which continues to record sporadic cases of Clade II, advises vaccination and precautions like avoiding direct contact with infected individuals. The emergence of this Clade I case marks a critical point, as this variant has fueled outbreaks in Africa and has been detected in other countries through travelers. Health authorities are monitoring the situation closely, emphasizing preventive measures to manage the risk of further spread.