New Mpox Strain Confirmed in California: Political Fears Amidst Public Health Concerns
California confirmed the first US case of clade I mpox, a more severe strain, in a traveler from East Africa. While historically clade I mpox has a higher mortality rate than clade II, recent data suggests less severe illness and lower death rates, particularly with adequate medical care. The CDC emphasizes that the public health risk remains low, and the affected individual is recovering. Contact tracing is underway, and the WHO is reviewing the global mpox situation.
John Q. Hosedrinker