With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
LA County confirms second US case of more severe mpox strain not linked to travel
L.A. County confirms a second case of the more severe strain of mpox not linked to travel.
(
Alain Jocard
/
Getty Images
)
The first two cases in the U.S. of a more severe strain of mpox not linked to travel have been confirmed in L.A. County.
On Thursday, the L.A. County Department of Public Health confirmed a case of clade I mpox in an adult who officials say was hospitalized and now is recovering at home. Earlier this week, Long Beach, which has its own public health department, confirmed a separate case — also without recent travel history.
While there have been other cases of the clade I illness nationally, these are the first without known travel to regions where the virus usually is found. The strain had been linked to outbreaks in some African countries since 2024, officials said.
-
The Los Angeles City Council voted Tuesday to conclude the Games at one venue instead of splitting the event across the city. -
First Amendment lawyer says LAPD denial goes against principles of public records law. -
Lucille J. Smith Elementary was one of 31 California schools to be nominated as a National Blue Ribbon School.
Sponsored message
"The identification of cases of clade I mpox, which may cause more severe illness than the more common clade II, is concerning," said Muntu Davis, L.A. County’s health officer.
While clade II causes mild to moderate illness, clade I may be more severe and can spread more easily, officials said. Both strains are spread through close personal contact, like touching a lesion or sex, and by sharing personal items. Symptoms include lesions, rash, fever and body aches.
How to find a vaccine
Your primary care doctor can get you vaccinated if you have one. L.A. County health clinics also offer the two-dose vaccine for free. Keep in mind, it takes about six weeks to become fully vaccinated and protected. You can find a public health clinic here.
Officials are urging people who may be at higher risk to get vaccinated, including men who have sex with men, people who are immunocompromised and those planning to travel to places with ongoing mpox outbreaks. If you have symptoms, officials say you should contact your medical provider and get tested.
So far in 2025, there have been 118 cases of the less severe, clade II mpox reported in L.A. County. Last year, the county reported a total of 220 cases with a sharp uptick in cases reported during the fall.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
