First U.S. Case of Severe Mpox Variant Detected in California
The first U.S. case of a more severe mpox variant, Clade I, has been reported in San Mateo County, California, in a person who recently traveled to East Africa. The individual is isolating and recovering at home, with no evidence of the strain spreading in the U.S. The risk of contracting Clade I mpox remains low, according to health officials. Clade I has been more prevalent in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while a less severe variant, Clade II, continues to circulate in the U.S. The CDC advises at-risk groups to take precautions, including vaccination.