California Mpox Cases Raise Concerns
Two California mpox cases are raising concerns, but health officials say the risk to the public remains low.
In New York, health officials reported that two Californians diagnosed with mpox may be the first U.S. cases resulting from the local spread of a different version of the virus.
The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the first case through testing at a state lab, while Los Angeles County health officials reported a second, similar case.
These are considered the first cases of what is known as clade I mpox. Previously, all six cases were among international travelers who were believed to have been infected abroad.
Both infected people in California were hospitalized and are now recovering at home. Officials declined to give other details, citing the risk to the public as low.
The risk to the public is low, officials say.
Author's summary: California mpox cases raise concerns despite low risk.