First Appearance of Potentially Serious Mpox Strain in L.A. County
A new variant of mpox, which could be more severe and contagious, has been discovered in Los Angeles County. It is the first time this strain, identified as "Clade I," has been detected in the United States among individuals who haven't traveled to high-risk regions abroad.
The initial case emerged from a Long Beach resident, while the second case was reported in an inhabitant of Los Angeles County. Both patients required hospital care but are now recuperating at home.
Public Reaction and Addressing Concerns
Despite the low risk of exposure, local authorities are handling the situation with utmost seriousness. Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring, swift response, and immunization.
This strain of mpox, Clade I, differs from the one causing a global outbreak in 2022, referred to as "Clade II." However, Clade I is potentially more worrisome due to its ability to cause more severe illness and its higher transmission rate, even through close personal contact.
Health Officials Warnings and Recommendations
Health officials are concerned about the discovery of Clade I mpox, which can cause a more severe illness compared to the more prevalent Clade II. Even though recent infections from Clade I may not be as severe as in previous outbreaks, particularly when patients receive quality medical care, the potential for severity remains.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is primarily transmitted through close, intimate contact, such as through body fluids or shared personal items. Common symptoms include rash or unusual sores resembling pimples or pus-filled blisters on the face, body, and genitals, fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, or swelling of lymph nodes. Other symptoms can include a sore throat.
Individuals who develop an unexplained rash or sores are urged to avoid intimate contact and seek medical assistance immediately. Officials recommend getting tested if they have symptoms and to avoid close contact.
Previous Cases and Current Situation
The Clade II mpox usually causes mild to moderate illness and has been circulating at low levels throughout the United States since 2022. This year, there have been 118 cases of Clade II mpox reported so far.
Before this week, only six cases of Clade I mpox had been reported in the U.S., all among individuals who had recently traveled to regions where this strain is prevalent, particularly central and eastern Africa. However, none of these cases were linked to each other.
More than 40,000 cases of Clade I mpox have been reported in central and eastern Africa. The risk to the general U.S. population from Clade I mpox is considered "low," while the risk to gay and bisexual men who have sex with multiple partners is classified as "low to moderate."
Prevention and Vaccination
The Jynneos vaccine, administered in two doses, is available to help prevent the spread of mpox. Those who only received one dose can get their second dose, regardless of the time elapsed since the first dose. Vaccinations are readily available and can be obtained at various local pharmacies. The vaccine is also available for those at a higher risk of contracting the illness, including those exposed to an infected individual in the last two weeks.
Officials also recommend immunization for individuals with occupational risks for infection, such as certain laboratory workers.
