First mpox clade I case detected in NYC

New York City has confirmed its first case of mpox clade I, a more severe strain of the virus, according to health officials. The patient, who recently traveled internationally, is isolating until symptoms subside.

The city's Health Department emphasized that there is no known local transmission of mpox clade I in New York City and the risk remains low for New Yorkers. Clade I is known to cause more severe disease and death compared to clade II, which was responsible for a global outbreak in 2022.

Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin recommended that New Yorkers who are at risk for mpox receive and complete the two-dose vaccine series. This includes people who have sex with men and identify as male, trans, nonbinary or gender non-conforming, those planning to visit countries where mpox is spreading, and individuals who have been in close contact with someone suspected of having mpox.

While less likely, mpox can also be transmitted by touching fabrics or surfaces used by an infected person. Most people recover within a couple of weeks without needing medical treatment, but serious illness can occur in older adults, young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. Health officials urged those at particular risk for contracting mpox to get the two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine series.