California Reports First Local Mpox Cases, Public Risk Remains Low

Health officials in California confirmed two cases of mpox, marking a potential shift in the transmission dynamics of the virus within the United States. The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services announced the first case following laboratory testing, while Los Angeles County health officials reported a second case on Thursday. Both individuals were hospitalized but are now recovering at home. Officials emphasize that the risk to the public remains low.

Details of the Cases

These cases are particularly notable as they may represent the first instances of local transmission of clade I mpox in the U.S. Previously, all six documented cases of this virus variant involved international travelers believed to have contracted the virus abroad. Investigators in Long Beach have not identified any close contacts with recent travel history, which raises questions about the potential for community transmission.

Nora Balanji, the communicable disease coordinator for the Long Beach department, stated, “We don’t have any proof that there has been ongoing community transmission. It’s something we’re looking into. That’s something we’re concerned about.” A few close contacts of the infected individuals have received vaccinations as a precautionary measure.

Understanding Mpox and Its Variants

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a rare infectious disease caused by a virus related to the one that causes smallpox. It is endemic to certain regions in Africa, where symptoms can range from mild, including fever and body aches, to more severe, featuring lesions on the face and other parts of the body. The virus has shown different transmission patterns, with clade II being the source of a significant international outbreak in 2022, primarily affecting men who have sex with men. At its peak, the U.S. saw nearly 500 cases per day.

Despite the alarming rise in cases during the 2022 outbreak, infections were rarely fatal. Many individuals, however, experienced painful skin lesions that could last for weeks. The availability of the Jynneos vaccine played a critical role in controlling the spread of the virus during that period.

Clade I, on the other hand, exhibits different transmission dynamics, capable of spreading through various forms of contact, including sexual activity. In Africa, this variant has affected a wider demographic, including children. The World Health Organization (WHO) previously declared the situation a public health emergency but downgraded the classification last month, citing a significant decrease in cases.

Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious diseases expert at Vanderbilt University, expressed concern about the emergence of local transmission in the U.S. He stated, “It’s concerning if this virus has come here and now is starting to be transmitted from person to person.”

This situation unfolds against the backdrop of a federal government shutdown, which has resulted in the layoff of numerous employees at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although some CDC experts remain available to assist, Schaffner noted that prolonged shutdowns could hinder public health responses to outbreaks.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has directed inquiries to local health officials regarding the evolving situation. The Associated Press Health and Science Department, which is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, remains committed to delivering accurate and timely coverage of public health issues.