The first known case of a more severe strain of Mpox, known as Mpox clade I, was detected in New York on Saturday, Fox 5 reported. Since November 2024, 11 cases of the strain have been reported across the United States, according to health authorities.
On Friday, March 13, the New York City Department of Health issued a health advisory for health care providers following the confirmation of the case.
I detected the mpox clade – What we know so far
The person who tested positive had recently traveled abroad, Fox 5 reported — citing the NYC Health Department. Health officials said that no other cases of Mpox clade I have been identified in New York and that there is currently no evidence that the virus is spreading locally.
“There is no known local transmission of mpox clade I in New York, and the risk to New Yorkers remains low,” NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alistair Martin.
What is Mpox?
Mpox is an infectious disease that can cause symptoms such as a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle pain, back pain and fatigue. While most people make a full recovery, some cases can become serious, according to a WHO fact sheet.
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). It is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus from the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family, which includes variola, cowpox, vaccinia and other viruses. There are two distinct clades of the virus: clade I (with subclades Ia and Ib) and clade II (with subclades IIa and IIb).
Is Mpox vaccination available?
Health officials say vaccination can reduce the risk of contracting Mpox and help reduce the severity of symptoms.
Individuals considered at risk are advised to receive a two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine if they have not already been vaccinated. The second dose should be given at least 28 days after the first dose.
Those who have previously had Mpox do not need to be vaccinated, according to health authorities.
