Authorities in California are raising concerns following the confirmation of three cases of the more lethal form of mpox in the state over the past few days. All diagnosed individuals are gay or bisexual men residing in Long Beach and Los Angeles County. Notably, none of these men had received the mpox vaccine, and they were not connected in any way.
Health experts are particularly troubled by the fact that none of the men reported any recent travel outside of the area. This indicates that the virus may be spreading within the local community, heightening the urgency for public health measures. The variant of mpox that gained notoriety in the U.S. in 2022 was the clade II variant, which has a fatality rate of between 1-4%. However, the newly identified cases are from the clade I variant, which has a significantly higher fatality rate of 1.4-10% and poses greater risks to individuals with compromised immune systems.
The current cases represent the clade I form of the virus. Although sporadic instances of this variant have been reported in the U.S. over the past year, they have typically been linked to individuals returning from international travel. The California Department of Health, in a recent press release, confirmed, “The California Department of Health and local health departments have identified three unrelated cases of clade I mpox among southern California residents without a history of recent international travel, indicating that person-to-person community spread is occurring.”
Fortunately, all three men diagnosed with the virus have been discharged from the hospital and are now isolating at home. “As we continue to monitor the situation, it is crucial for Californians to stay informed and take preventive measures, especially those who may be more likely to be exposed to mpox,” stated Dr. Rita Nguyen, Assistant State Public Health Officer. She emphasized the importance of vaccination, saying, “Clade I mpox cases can be severe. The risk of severe disease and hospitalization is highest for people with weakened immune systems, so it’s critical to protect yourself by getting both doses of the mpox vaccine if you or your sex partner(s) may be at risk for mpox.”
Health experts believe that large gatherings of gay men contribute to the spread of the virus, especially with events like Palm Springs Pride scheduled from November 6–9. They are urging men to ensure they receive both doses of the mpox vaccine for maximum protection. Dr. Phyllis Ritchie, CEO and Founder of PS Test in Palm Springs, expressed her concerns, stating, “It’s very concerning. What I really recommend is for people to make sure they’ve had their two doses of the mpox vaccine. If they’ve only had one dose, and it’s been a while, just get your second dose; it’s okay. But they need their two doses for sure.”
Recently, Dr. Carlton Thomas, a respected gay health expert, hosted a discussion regarding the new mpox cases in Los Angeles County. He directed individuals seeking vaccination to visit empoweredagainstmpox.com to find their nearest vaccination locations. It is crucial for the community to stay vigilant and prioritize health as the situation evolves.
