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California health officials confirmed the first U.S. case of a more severe mpox strain without recent travel, found in a Long Beach resident who was hospitalized and is now recovering in home isolation. While it is the seventh U.S. case this year, officials say the risk to the general public remains low and are investigating possible exposures. Mayor Rex Richardson urged vigilance, citing the need for surveillance, early response, and vaccination. The CDC says clade I, historically linked to severe illness, contrasts with clade II, which drove the 2022 outbreak and continues to circulate at low levels in the U.S.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.