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Potential Local Spread of Distinct Monkeypox strain Raises Concerns in California
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California health officials are investigating two confirmed cases of monkeypox, perhaps marking the first instances of local transmission of a diffrent strain of the virus within the United States.
Two individuals in California, one in Long Beach and another in Los Angeles County, have been diagnosed with clade I monkeypox, a less common variant than the clade II strain that fueled a global outbreak in 2022. While previous cases of clade I in the U.S. involved individuals infected abroad, these new cases show no apparent connection to international travel, prompting a focused investigation by public health authorities.
First Signs of Local Transmission
The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the initial case earlier this week following laboratory testing. On Thursday,Los Angeles County health officials reported a second,similar case. Despite the confirmed diagnoses, officials emphasize that the risk to the general public remains low.
“At this point in our investigations, we have not identified any association between the two cases,” stated Jennifer Ann Gonzalez, acting public affairs officer for the Long Beach health department. Investigators have not yet identified any close contacts who have traveled internationally, nor have they confirmed any additional cases. Some close contacts of the infected individuals have received vaccinations, according to Nora Balanji, communicable disease coordinator for the Long Beach department.
Distinguishing Clade I from previous Outbreaks
Monkeypox, also known as mpox, is a rare viral disease related to smallpox. It is endemic in parts of Africa. Symptoms can range from mild – including fever, chills, and body aches – to more severe, manifesting as lesions on the face, hands, chest, and genitals.
The 2022 global outbreak was driven by clade II, primarily affecting men who have sex with men, and at its peak, the U.S. averaged approximately 500 cases per day. While rarely fatal, the infections caused significant discomfort due to painful skin lesions. The outbreak was partially contained through the widespread distribution of the Jynneos vaccine, manufactured by Bavarian Nordic.
Clade I, however, has a different epidemiological profile. In Africa,it has infected a broader range of populations,including children,and has recently seen increased transmission in eastern and central Africa. The World Health Institution previously declared the situation a public health emergency, but downgraded the alert last month as the outbreak subsided.
Ongoing Investigation and Public health Response
Health officials are actively investigating to determine if community transmission is occurring. “we have no evidence that there has been ongoing community transmission,” Balanji said. “It’s something we’re investigating. It’s something we’re concerned about.”
Both infected individuals in California were hospitalized and are currently recovering at home.Officials have declined to release further details to protect patient privacy.
the situation underscores the importance of continued vigilance and monitoring for unusual disease patterns. While the current risk appears low, the potential for local spread of a different monkeypox strain warrants a swift and thorough public health response.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.The AP is solely
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