Health officials are investigating a concerning development: a potentially more dangerous strain of mpox has been detected in three individuals in Los Angeles County — and none of them traveled outside the country. This marks the first time this particular strain, known as Clade I, has shown up in the U.S. without being linked to international travel.
The first case surfaced earlier this week in Long Beach, followed by two more in L.A. County residents. All three patients were hospitalized but are currently recovering at home.
So far, there’s no known connection between the cases — but local health leaders aren’t taking any chances.
“The confirmation of a third case with no travel history raises concerns about possible local spread,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, L.A. County Health Officer. “We’re working closely with our partners to identify how this potentially more serious type of the mpox virus may be spreading.”
What’s Different About This Strain?
This isn’t the same mpox most people in West Hollywood remember from the 2022 outbreak. That wave was caused by a different version of the virus, Clade II, which has continued to circulate at lower levels across the U.S. since then — including here in L.A. County, where 118 cases have been recorded just this year.
Clade I, however, has health officials on higher alert. It’s been shown to cause more severe illness in some cases and may spread more easily through close contact — including activities like massage, cuddling, and sex.
In 2022, West Hollywood saw a wave of Clade II mpox infections that prompted a strong local response — pop-up vaccine sites, targeted outreach to LGBTQ+ residents, and public education efforts. That response helped curb the spread. But with Clade I now potentially circulating, officials say it’s time to stay vigilant again.
Symptoms to Watch For
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, spreads primarily through close, intimate contact — including shared bedding, clothing, and body fluids. But casual contact, kissing, coughing, or sneezing can also transmit the virus.
Symptoms to look out for include:
A rash or sores that may resemble pimples or blisters (especially on the face, genitals, or body)
Fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes
Muscle aches or sore throat
Anyone experiencing an unexplained rash or lesions should avoid sex and seek medical care immediately. Testing is available and encouraged for those with symptoms.
Who’s at Risk?
While the overall risk to the public remains low, the CDC says the risk is low to moderate among gay and bisexual men who have multiple partners — a group heavily impacted during the 2022 mpox outbreak in West Hollywood.
Health officials also point to global data: Clade I mpox has been circulating in parts of central and eastern Africa for decades, with transmission linked not only to sexual contact but also to crowded living conditions and contact with infected animals. Before this week, all six Clade I cases reported in the U.S. involved recent travel to those regions.
Vaccines Are Still Available — And Recommended
The Jynneos vaccine — a two-dose series — remains available and effective in preventing mpox. If you only received one dose during the previous outbreak, you can still get your second, no matter how long it’s been.
The vaccine is recommended for:
People who’ve been exposed to mpox in the last 14 days
Gay and bisexual men, trans, nonbinary, or gender-diverse individuals
People with HIV or those taking PrEP
Individuals planning to travel to areas with ongoing Clade I outbreaks
People who attend sex clubs, bathhouses, or commercial sex venues
Healthcare and lab workers with occupational exposure
Anyone who requests it
You can find vaccines at most pharmacies, including CVS and Walgreens, or through the L.A. County Department of Public Health’s vaccination site locator.
Stay Aware — But Not Alarmed
West Hollywood has seen mpox outbreaks before — and responded swiftly with community-centered care and outreach. With a more severe strain potentially on the move, health leaders are urging residents to stay informed, get vaccinated if eligible, and seek medical attention if symptoms arise.
“This underscores the importance of continued surveillance, early response, and vaccination,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson.
The risk may be low, but for those who live, work, and play in West Hollywood, awareness is key — especially as cooler months bring people indoors and in closer contact.
For the latest on vaccine availability, prevention tips, and health guidance, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov.
I remember the drama a few years back and media driven narratives about how this pox of monkeys was coming for us all.
Then it emerged it was effectively an STD, almost exclusively male transmission, and once children and dogs were reported as being infected, it completely disappeared from media discussion
Huh? Omg you sound delirious