What You Should Know About Mpox After U.S. Detects Severe Strain

Federal health officials are urging vigilance among health care providers after California reported the first U.S. case of the severe mpox strain, known as clade I, in a patient who recently returned from Africa. The patient, who is recovering in isolation, experienced mild symptoms of the virus, which is often associated with a distinctive rash. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the risk of widespread transmission remains low to the public, the agency recently issued a health alert urging health care workers to watch for classic symptoms of the virus.  Health care providers are also being advised to report suspected cases of the more severe strain immediately to public health authorities. “This individual had recently traveled to areas experiencing clade I monkeypox virus (MPXV) transmission and sought medical care for mpox symptoms in the United States,” the CDC said in the alert.  “Consistent with other recent clade I mpox cases, the patient has relatively mild illness and is recovering. CDC and the local and state health departments are investigating potential contacts; no additional cases in the United States have been detected as of November 18, 2024.” The case has prompted reminders about prevention amid the mpox...