First known case of mpox strain reported in Bay Area county

(KRON) – The county of San Mateo has now had the first reported case of clade I mpox in the United States, according to the California Department of Public Health (CPDH). 

What is mpox?

Mpox is an infectious disease that can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain and low energy, according to the World Health Organization. The organization said most people who get the disease fully recover. However, many people get extremely sick. 

Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Two kinds of the virus cause mpox, clade I and clade II, according to the CDC.

The case in San Mateo County was declared as clade I, which is the first in America. The clade II strain has circulated at “low levels” this year, according to the CDC.  

How to prevent getting mpox?

Mpox spreads through close or intimate contact with a person with the disease. Sharing space with an individual with mpox and/or sexual contact can result in the spreading of the disease. The CDC said mpox does not spread in settings where only respiratory spread is possible, such as across rooms, in markets or classrooms, etc.

The CPDH advises residents to take these precautions to stay safe: 

• Getting vaccinated if you may be at risk for mpox. For the greatest protection, make sure you get both doses of the vaccine.
• Taking precautions if you were exposed to mpox. Get the mpox vaccine before symptoms develop and consider avoiding intimate contact with others for 21 days. Watch yourself for symptoms and get tested if they develop.
• Preventing spread if you have been told you have mpox. Avoid contact with others until the rash is healed, clean and disinfect shared areas in the home, and notify people who may have been exposed.
• Talking to your sexual partner(s).
• Avoiding skin-to-skin contact with those who have a rash or sores that look like mpox.
• Not sharing items with someone who has mpox.
• Washing your hands often.
• Protecting yourself when caring for someone with mpox by using masks, gowns and gloves.

Residents can find the nearest mpox vaccine on the California Department of Public Health’s website.