Two cases of a potentially more severe strain of mpox have been confirmed in Los Angeles County this week. It’s the first time this particular type of mpox, known as “Clade I,” has been found in the United States among people who had no history of traveling overseas to high-risk areas.
A concerning development has emerged in Los Angeles County with the confirmation of two cases of Mpox Clade I, a potentially more severe strain of the virus. This marks the first instance of this particular type of Mpox appearing in the United States among individuals without a history of international travel to high-risk regions. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the situation, including details about the Clade I strain, its symptoms, potential risks, and steps you can take to protect yourself and your community.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that can spread through close contact with an infected person or animal. While the Clade II strain caused a global outbreak in 2022 and is still circulating at low levels, Clade I is potentially more concerning due to its potential for causing severe illness and spreading more easily. Understanding the differences between these strains is crucial for effective prevention and management.
This article dives into the details of the Clade I Mpox cases in L.A. County, offering insights into the symptoms, transmission, and what local health officials are doing to address the situation. Further, we will explore preventative measures to help you stay informed and safe.
Understanding Mpox (Monkeypox)
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral infection that belongs to the orthopoxvirus family. This family also includes the variola virus, which causes smallpox, and the vaccinia virus, which is used in the smallpox vaccine. Mpox was first discovered in 1958 when an outbreak occurred in a colony of monkeys kept for research, hence the original name “monkeypox”. The first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The symptoms of mpox are similar to those of smallpox but generally milder. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic rash that develops into pus-filled blisters. These blisters can appear on the face, body, genitals, and other areas. Mpox is typically spread through close, intimate contact with an infected person or animal, or through contact with contaminated materials such as bedding or clothing.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mpox can spread through:
- Direct contact with the rash, scabs, or body fluids of an infected person
- Contact with objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with mpox
- Respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact, or during intimate contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
- An infected pregnant person can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta
It’s important to note that mpox is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the traditional sense, but sexual contact is a common mode of transmission due to the close physical proximity involved.
Clade I vs. Clade II: Understanding the Difference
Mpox viruses are classified into clades, or genetic groups, with Clade I and Clade II being the most well-known. The 2022 global outbreak was primarily driven by Clade II, which generally causes mild-to-moderate illness. However, Clade I is considered potentially more concerning because it may cause more severe illness and spread more easily.
The California Department of Public Health noted last year that:
Clade I has historically caused more severe illness than Clade II, but 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.
Health officials are closely monitoring the Clade I cases in L.A. County due to the potential for more severe outcomes. While Clade II has been circulating in the U.S. since 2022, the emergence of Clade I raises concerns about a possible shift in the severity and transmission patterns of the virus.
The key differences between Clade I and Clade II can be summarized as follows:
- Severity: Clade I has the potential to cause more severe illness than Clade II.
- Transmission: Clade I may spread more easily, including through close personal contact such as massage or cuddling, in addition to sex.
- Geographic Distribution: Clade I is more common in central and eastern Africa, while Clade II has been circulating globally.
Mpox Clade 1 Confirmed in L.A. County
Two cases of a potentially more severe strain of mpox have been confirmed in Los Angeles County this week.
It’s the first time this particular type of mpox, known as “Clade I,” has been found in the United States among people who had no history of traveling overseas to high-risk areas.
The first case, reported publicly on Tuesday, involved a resident of Long Beach. The second, reported Thursday, was in a Los Angeles County resident. Both patients had to be hospitalized but are now recovering at home, health officials said.
“While the overall risk of … exposure to the public remains low, we are taking this very seriously,” Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “This underscores the importance of continued surveillance, early response and vaccination.”
Symptoms and How It Spreads
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is primarily spread through close, intimate contact, such as through body fluids, sores, shared bedding or shared clothing, as well as kissing, coughing and sneezing, health officials say.
Tell-tale symptoms “include rash or unusual sores that look like pimples or pus-filled blisters on the face, body and genitals, fever, chills, headache, muscle aches or swelling of lymph nodes,” the L.A. County Department of Public Health said. Other symptoms can include a sore throat.
“Anyone who develops an unexplained rash or lesions should avoid sex and intimate contact and seek medical evaluation as soon as possible,” the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services said.
People should get tested if they have symptoms, officials said. Those who have symptoms should also avoid sex or close contact.
Prevention and Vaccination: What You Need to Do
The best way to prevent mpox is to avoid close contact with infected individuals and to practice good hygiene. Health officials recommend the following preventive measures:
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.
- Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with mpox.
- Avoid kissing, hugging, cuddling, or having sex with someone with mpox.
- Avoid sharing eating utensils or cups with a person with mpox.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after contact with potentially infected surfaces or people.
Vaccination is also an effective way to prevent mpox, particularly for those at higher risk of infection. The two-dose Jynneos vaccine is available to help prevent the spread of mpox.
Vaccines are widely available, and can be found at pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS. People can look up locations to get vaccinated through the vaccine’s manufacturer, Bavarian Nordic. The L.A. County Department of Public Health also maintains a list of vaccination sites.
The vaccine is available to people at higher risk for the illness, including those who were exposed to an infected individual over the last two weeks.
Also eligible for vaccination are gay and bisexual people and other men who have sex with men; transgender, nonbinary or gender-diverse people; people with HIV; people who are eligible or are taking medicine to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use; people traveling to sub-Saharan Africa or areas with Clade I mpox outbreaks; people who plan to attend a commercial sex event or venue, like a sex club or bathhouse; people who have a sex partner at higher risk for getting infected; and anyone else who requests mpox vaccination.
What to Do If You Suspect You Have Mpox
If you develop an unexplained rash or lesions, especially if accompanied by fever, chills, headache, or swollen lymph nodes, it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. Contact your healthcare provider or visit a local clinic for testing and diagnosis. Early detection and treatment can help prevent the spread of the virus and reduce the severity of symptoms.
The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services advises:
Anyone who develops an unexplained rash or lesions should avoid sex and intimate contact and seek medical evaluation as soon as possible.
If you are diagnosed with mpox, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. This may include isolating yourself from others, avoiding close contact with family members, and taking antiviral medications if prescribed. It’s also essential to inform your close contacts so they can monitor for symptoms and seek testing if necessary.
Conclusion
The confirmation of Clade I mpox cases in Los Angeles County underscores the importance of continued vigilance and proactive measures to protect public health. By understanding the risks, practicing prevention, and seeking early medical attention if symptoms arise, we can collectively mitigate the spread of this virus. Stay informed, stay safe, and prioritize your health and the well-being of your community.
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