California health officials report first case of new Mpox strain in US, says US News
A case of Clade 1b mpox has been reported in the US for the first time, according to health officials.
It was found in northern California after an individual returned from eastern Africa, as confirmed by the California Department of Public Health.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that this is the initial case of Clade 1b mpox recorded in the US.
The health department of California mentioned that the person is self-isolating at home, showing signs of improvement, and posing a low risk to the public.
The Clade 1b variant of mpox was identified by scientists earlier this year, linking it to a mining town in Congo. They indicated that it may lead to less severe symptoms but is more easily transmitted through close contact.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
From August: Mpox – What is the risk?
As of 4 November, the UK has recorded three cases of Clade 1b. The first case – identified in London in October – involved an individual who had recently traveled to Africa.
They experienced flu-like symptoms more than 24 hours after returning to the UK, followed by a worsening rash in the subsequent days. The other two cases were close contacts of the initial case.
Mpox, including the Clade 1b variant, is typically transmitted through close physical contact, contact with infected animals, or sexual transmission.
Read more from Sky News:
Irish comedian and Father Ted actor dies
Trump picks vaccine sceptic as health secretary
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
Common symptoms of the disease include a skin rash or pus-filled lesions, lasting between two to four weeks.
In addition, it can lead to fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
Since late September, the World Health Organisation has reported over 3,100 confirmed cases of Clade 1b mpox.
