LOS ANGELES — Health officials have confirmed a second case of a dangerous strain of monkeypox (mpox) in Los Angeles County, raising concerns about potential local transmission. The patient has no recent history of travel to areas where the virus is endemic, suggesting that the infection may have been acquired within the community.
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the case involves the Clade I strain, a more severe form of the virus known to cause more serious illness than the more common Clade II strain. Symptoms typically include rash, lesions, fever, sore throat, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and body aches.
The first local case of this strain was reported earlier this month in Long Beach. Both patients were hospitalized but are now recovering at home, officials said.
Dr. Muntu Davis, the Los Angeles County health officer, urged the public to remain cautious while emphasizing that the overall risk remains low. “Early testing, detection, and vaccination are key to preventing further spread,” he stated.
Health authorities continue to investigate any potential connections between the two cases and are working closely with federal partners to monitor the situation. Residents experiencing symptoms consistent with mpox are advised to seek medical care immediately and avoid close contact with others until cleared by health professionals.
