Health officials in California confirmed two cases of mpox, potentially the first in the U.S. linked to local spread of a different version of the virus, but say the risk to the general public remains low.

The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services reported the first case this week after state lab testing, while Los Angeles County confirmed a second similar case on Thursday. Both patients were hospitalized and have since returned home. Authorities noted that no direct connection has been identified between the two cases, and initial investigations have not revealed any travel history or further community spread. Some close contacts have received vaccinations as a precaution.

These cases involve clade I mpox, different from the clade II virus behind the global outbreak in 2022, which largely affected men who have sex with men. Unlike clade II, clade I can spread through sex and other forms of contact, and in Africa has affected a wider population, including children. Symptoms range from fever, chills, and body aches to more severe lesions on the face, hands, chest, and genitals.

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Experts, including Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University, say the appearance of clade I in the U.S. is concerning but emphasize that ongoing transmission has not been confirmed. Response efforts are complicated by a federal government shutdown and CDC staffing reductions, though some CDC guidance remains available to local health departments.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and urge the public to stay informed while reassuring that the overall risk of exposure remains low.

Source: AP