Kern County, CA

Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with the mpox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. This genus includes notable viruses such as variola (the smallpox virus) and vaccinia (used in the smallpox vaccine). Mpox is a public health concern due to its potential for person-to-person transmission and its capacity to cause severe disease, although it is generally less transmissible and less severe than smallpox.

Mpox was first identified in 1958 and primarily occurs in Central and West African countries. Historically, cases in the United States have been rare and mostly linked to international travel or the importation of animals. However, in 2022, there was a notable increase in reported cases in regions where mpox is not commonly seen, including Europe, Canada, and the United States, including California.

The mpox virus is categorized into two main clades: Clade I and Clade II. Clade I has not been detected in the United States. The current WHO emergency response is focused on Clade I due to its more severe impact and potential for rapid spread. Clade II, which has been more frequently identified in recent outbreaks outside Africa, also poses a concern but has different epidemiological characteristics. While Clade I is under special scrutiny, the general risk of mpox for the public remains low, but staying informed is crucial.