#Socialites, be sure to safeguard yourself! The first U.S. case of a deadlier form of the mpox (formerly monkeypox)virus strain has been reported in California.
RELATED: The World Heath Organization Classifies Mpox (Monkeypox) Outbreak As A Global Health Emergency
Mpox, which was formerly known as monkeypox, usually comes with symptoms including a rash that can be located on hands, feet, chest, face, mouth, or near the genitals — as it can be primarily transmitted through close sexual contact. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, health officials in California have confirmed the first domestic case of a more severe strain of mpox in a traveler from Eastern Africa.
On Saturday (November 16), officials with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) said that the person identified with mpox was treated in San Mateo County and is now isolated at home while recovering. The person recently traveled to Africa, where the clade I strain (or clade 1b) is circulating in the eastern and central regions of the continent.
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CDPH officials said the mpox clade I has historically caused more severe illness than clade II (or clade 2b), which has been circulating in California and the United States since 2022. It’s reported that during the 2022 outbreak, mpox primarily spread through close sexual contact.
A strong vaccination effort was credited with helping to slow down the surge of cases at the time. This less severe strain of mpox appears to circulate in the U.S. at very low levels. The CDC does not currently recommend any need for booster shots for those who are considered high-risk and already fully vaccinated.
RELATED: Governor Gavin Newsom Declares A State Of Emergency In California Due To Monkeypox
CDC officials have also said that casual contact, including during travel, is unlikely to pose any significant risks for transmission. Additionally, health officials in California report that the risk to the public currently remains low and that there is no evidence suggesting that mpox is spreading across the state, much less the country.
However, California health officials plan to send the mpox specimens from the East African traveler to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more lab testing.
RELATED: Man With MonkeyPox Speaks Out About His Symptoms: ‘It’s Such An Ugly Virus’
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