California has confirmed the United States’ first three cases of a more dangerous strain of mpox. The new strain, known as clade I mpox, causes more severe illness than the previous strain that hit the US in 2022/2023. The three Southern California patients are the first people known to have been infected by clade 1 mpox in the US. All three were hospitalized and are currently recovering. Crucially, the infections were not linked to travel abroad, indicating that the virus is spreading within the community.
When the other strain – clade II mpox – broke out in the US 3 years ago, it killed 42 people and infected 30,392, many of whom were hospitalized.
Mpox is a viral disease that can start with flu-like symptoms. Soon after people typically experience a rash which begins as small spots, and then turns into fluid-filled blisters, and eventually becoming scabs.
It’s critical to protect yourself by getting both doses of the mpox vaccine if you or your sex partner(s) may be at risk for mpox,” she said.
Any person can get infected through direct physical contact, including sex. Based on past outbreaks, people at the highest risk for mpox are gay and bisexual men, transgender or non-binary individuals, and men who have sex with men. The California Department of Public Health says the the new mpox strain is now likely spreading in these communities.
While the risk to the general public is currently low, health authorities advise people at higher risk to get vaccinated. The Jynneos vaccine provides protection from both mpox strains.
Full Story: San Francisco Chronicle, The Guardian
