California Mpox Cases Raise Concerns
Two California mpox cases are raising concerns, but health officials say the risk to the public remains low.
In California, two individuals have been diagnosed with mpox, potentially marking the first U.S. cases resulting from local spread of a different version of the virus, according to health officials.
- The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the first case through testing at a state lab.
- Los Angeles County health officials reported a second, similar case.
The risk to the public is low, officials say.
These cases are identified as the first cases of what is known as clade I mpox. Previously, all six cases were among international travelers believed to have been infected abroad.
Both infected individuals in California were hospitalized and are now recovering at home. Officials declined to provide further details.
Author's summary: California mpox cases spark concern despite low risk.