By Health authorities in Los Angeles County have confirmed two cases of a potentially more serious form of mpox — marking the first time this particular strain, known as Clade I, has been detected in the United States among individuals with no recent travel to regions considered high-risk.
The first case, publicly reported Tuesday, involved a Long Beach resident, while the second, announced Thursday, was identified in a Los Angeles County resident. According to local health officials, both patients required hospitalization but are now recovering at home under medical supervision.
In a statement, Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson emphasized the importance of public awareness and preparedness. “We are taking this very seriously, even though the overall risk of exposure to the public remains low,” Richardson said. “This situation underscores the value of continued vigilance, rapid response, and vaccination.”
Clade I vs. Clade II: What Makes This Strain Different
The newly confirmed cases involve Clade I, a variant distinct from Clade II, which was responsible for the 2022 global mpox outbreak. Health experts caution that Clade I may spread more efficiently and lead to more severe illness.
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH), Clade I can be transmitted not only through sexual contact but also through other forms of close physical contact, such as hugging, massage, or sharing contaminated items.
“The detection of Clade I mpox, which may result in more serious illness than the more common Clade II strain, is concerning,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County’s health officer, in a statement released Thursday.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has also addressed the emerging cases, noting that while Clade I has historically caused more severe disease, recent infections appear to be less clinically serious — particularly in patients with access to timely, high-quality medical care.
How Mpox Spreads and What Symptoms to Watch For
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, spreads primarily through close, personal contact. This includes exposure to respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, as well as contact with body fluids, open sores, or contaminated fabrics such as bedding and clothing.
Health officials warn that early symptoms can include:
- Rash or unusual sores that may resemble pimples or pus-filled blisters on the face, body, or genitals
- Fever and chills
- Headache and muscle aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Sore throat
The L.A. County Department of Public Health advises that anyone who develops an unexplained rash or lesions should immediately avoid intimate contact, including sexual activity, and seek medical evaluation.
The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services echoed this guidance, urging individuals with potential symptoms to isolate and contact healthcare providers as soon as possible.
Public Health Response and Ongoing Surveillance
Health departments in both Long Beach and Los Angeles County are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate these recent cases and trace any potential contacts. Officials emphasized that the overall risk to the general public remains low, but heightened surveillance is underway to prevent further transmission.
Since 2022, the U.S. has reported low but persistent circulation of the Clade II strain, which generally results in mild-to-moderate illness. So far this year, 118 Clade II mpox cases have been reported to the L.A. County Department of Public Health.
Before these latest local detections, six Clade I mpox cases had been documented in the U.S., all involving individuals who had recently traveled to central or eastern Africa, where the virus is endemic. None of those earlier cases were linked to each other, according to the CDC.
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Global Context and Epidemiological Background
The CDC reports that more than 40,000 cases of clade I Mpox have been recorded in central and eastern Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where multiple transmission routes have been identified. These include direct contact with infected wild animals and household transmission in crowded living environments.
Since early 2024, Clade I cases have also been documented in several African nations, and sporadic travel-related infections have surfaced in Asia, Australia, Europe, and South America.
Health agencies continue to stress that, for now, the risk of Clade I mpox to the American public is considered “low.” However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) characterizes the risk as “low to moderate” among gay and bisexual men with multiple sexual partners, who have been disproportionately affected in previous outbreaks.
Treatment, Recovery, and Preventive Care
Most mpox infections resolve within two to four weeks, though antiviral treatment may be recommended for patients at risk of severe disease. According to the Long Beach Department of Health, antiviral therapies can be considered for individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying conditions.
To prevent further spread, public health officials continue to promote the two-dose Jynneos vaccine, which offers protection against both Clade I and Clade II mpox.
The L.A. County Department of Public Health confirmed that individuals who have received only one dose of the Jynneos vaccine remain eligible for their second dose — regardless of how long ago they received the first.
Vaccines are widely available through CVS, Walgreens, and other local pharmacies, as well as public health clinics. The vaccine manufacturer, Bavarian Nordic, maintains an online tool to help individuals locate nearby vaccination sites, and the L.A. County Department of Public Health also provides an updated list of available locations.
Who Should Get Vaccinated
Officials recommend vaccination for people considered at higher risk of exposure, including:
- Individuals who have been in close contact with a confirmed mpox case within the past two weeks
- Those diagnosed with HIV or using PrEP to prevent HIV infection
- Travelers to sub-Saharan Africa or regions where Clade I outbreaks are ongoing
- People who plan to attend commercial sex events or visit sex clubs or bathhouses
- Individuals who have sexual partners at higher risk of mpox exposure
- Transgender, nonbinary, or gender-diverse individuals seeking additional protection
Additionally, vaccination is advised for certain laboratory and healthcare workers who may be occupationally exposed to mpox in clinical or research settings.
Looking Ahead
While local officials stress that the appearance of Clade I mpox in Los Angeles County does not currently pose a widespread threat, they emphasize the need for continued awareness and proactive prevention.
“Monitoring new cases and ensuring that people have access to testing, treatment, and vaccination are critical steps to prevent further spread,” Dr. Davis said.
The CDC and California Department of Public Health are continuing to track the evolution of Clade I cases globally and domestically. Health departments across the U.S. are also urging at-risk communities to take advantage of vaccination opportunities as a key safeguard against future outbreaks.
Sources:
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, California Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration.
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