The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and San Mateo County Health are sounding the alarm over a new strain of mpox detected in the state. A case of the clade I strain, recently arrived from Central and Eastern Africa, marks the first such diagnosis on U.S.
soil, as the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reported. Unlike the clade II mpox strain circulating domestically since 2022, clade I has been historically associated with more severe symptoms. Still, with the patient snug in isolation at home and doing well, health authorities are tracking down anyone who might have had close contact.
While the appearance of clade I mpox on U.S. shores is noteworthy, garnered through travel, the infected individual has been recovering at home without much drama.
According to San Mateo County Health , “While clade I may be new to the United States, we and other counties have been responding to mpox since 2022 with contact tracing, guidance and vaccine support,” stated Dr. Kismet Baldwin-Santana, San Mateo County Health Officer. She stressed, "There is no concern or evidence that mpox clade I is currently spreading among individuals in San Mateo County or elsewhere in the United States.
" The response from health officials has been measured and vigilant. Due to their symptoms and travel from a region with known outbreaks, the infected individual sought care promptly in San Mateo County. Public health workers are reaching out proactively to close contacts, even with.
