The first case of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, in the United States has been recorded in California as part of a new outbreak.
The state’s health department, CDPH, reports that the Clade I strain, not the Clade II strain that has been circulating in the US since 2022, was the cause of the latest illness.
According to the CDPH, their case was “related to the ongoing outbreak of Clade I mpox in Central and Eastern Africa” and the person in question, who is currently confined to his house, had recently traveled to Africa.
Earlier this year, the World Health Organization designated Mpox a worldwide health emergency.
According to the CDPH, “recent infections from Clade I mpox may not be as clinically severe as in previous outbreaks,” even though Clade I cases had historically tended to produce more severe illness than Clade II.
Although it is typically far less dangerous, mpox is caused by a virus that belongs to the same family as smallpox.
Originally spread by animals to people, it can now spread between people.
Back discomfort, aching muscles, fever, headaches, and swellings are some of the early signs. Then a rash may appear, which may be very unpleasant or uncomfortable.
The illness lasts 14 to 21 days and can go away on its own, but it can sometimes be fatal, especially for young children and other vulnerable groups.
Mpox is particularly prevalent in isolated communities in West and Central African tropical rainforests, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), where it has long been observed.
The first signs and symptoms include fever, headaches, edema, back discomfort, and muscular aches. A rash may then appear, which may be excruciatingly unpleasant or uncomfortable.
The illness can go away on its own and last for 14 to 21 days, but it can also be fatal in certain cases, especially in young children and other vulnerable groups.
Most often found in isolated communities in the tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa, mpox has been observed for many years in nations like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo).
Following an initial epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo earlier this year that claimed hundreds of lives, the disease has subsequently spread to parts of Central and East Africa.
Although vaccines are typically only available to those who are at risk or have had close contact with an infected person, they can help reduce outbreaks by avoiding illnesses.
