Its the first confirmed case of the viral variant in the United States.
There are two distinct genetic types of the mpox virusclade I and clade II.
The California patient had recently traveled to East Africa, the CDC said.
Photo Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health; Getty Images
Their symptoms are reportedly improving.
Clade I has historically been more likely to cause severe illness and death than clade II.
In the current outbreak, the clade I death rate is closer to 1%.
How Transmissible Is Clade I Mpox?
Mpox certainly spreads through skin-to-skin contact during sex.
That could delay providers ability to treat their patients and hamper surveillance efforts.
There are other diseases that can look like mpox.
How Can You Reduce Your Risk of Mpox Infection?
The risk of mpox infection in the U.S. is very low.
Still, certain groups are at higher risk for infection, especially by clade II mpox.
Mpox commonly appears as a rash.
Lesions can appear on the hands, chest, and genitals.
Though less common in women, mpox has appeared in transgender populations.
Dont share toothbrushes, sex toys, or other materials that may have bodily fluids on them.
Its a two-dose series, given at least 28 days apart.
The only available antiviral treatment for mpox is calledTpoxx (tecovirimat).
There are no completed randomized controlled trials testing how well Tpoxx works in people in the U.S. ## What This Means For You
The risk of mpox remains low for people in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.California confirms first clade I mpox case.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ongoing clade II mpox global outbreak.
World Health Organization.Multi-country outbreak of mpox, external situation report #429 November 2024.
McQuiston JH, Luce R, Kazadi DM, et al.U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mpox vaccination basics.
2024;3(10):EVIDoa2400189.
