Severe Strain of Monkeypox Detected in Los Angeles
A serious variant of the monkeypox virus has been confirmed in Los Angeles, according to local health officials on Thursday. This strain, known as Clade I, has been found in patients with “unknown travel history to areas where the virus typically occurs.”
This announcement followed shortly after Long Beach health officials reported the first locally acquired case of this clade. Alarmingly, both outbreaks in Los Angeles and Long Beach are noted to be the only known instances in the country involving individuals with no recent travel.
Clade I is regarded as a more serious strain compared to Clade II, which was responsible for the recent monkeypox epidemic in the United States from 2022 to 2023. It generally leads to more severe symptoms like a rash, fever, sore throat, and body aches.
Currently, health officials have confirmed about eight cases of Clade I monkeypox across the nation. In contrast, Los Angeles County has recorded 118 cases of the Clade II variant this year.
The two patients—one from Long Beach and another from Los Angeles—were hospitalized but have since been discharged and are on the mend.
Dr. Muntu Davis, the Los Angeles County Health Officer, mentioned that monkeypox primarily spreads through close contact, especially during sexual activity.
“The emergence of Clade I cases, which can lead to more severe symptoms than the more common Clade II, is concerning,” he stated. “MPOX is continuing to spread through intimate contact with infected individuals, mainly during sexual encounters. It’s crucial to prioritize early detection, testing, and vaccination to manage the virus effectively. Two doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine are recommended for optimal protection against MPOX.”
The monkeypox vaccine is recommended particularly for those at higher risk for infection, according to public health information.
Health officials continue to advise vaccination for groups considered at increased risk, including LGBTQ+ individuals, men who have sex with men, immunocompromised individuals, and those who have had contact with confirmed cases.
