Health Officials Confirm First U.S. Case Of New Mpox Strain The strain known as clade Ib emerges from Eastern Africa, with experts urging caution but maintaining low risk for the public. The United States is facing renewed vigilance after health officials confirmed the first known case of the new, more aggressive strain of mpox, designated as clade Ib, detected in California. This announcement, made on November 16, 2024, follows the individual's recent travel to Eastern Africa, where mpox cases have surged. Public health officials are actively following up with individuals who had close contact with the patient, but reassured the public by stating, "there is no concern or evidence" of mpox clade Ib transmission within the United States. Experts are monitoring this new strain closely, as the World Health Organization had declared mpox outbreaks around the world as Public Health Emergencies of International Concern, prompting heightened awareness and preventive measures.
