Calif. officials concerned as mpox cases rise
SFGATE • • health
Key Points:
- California is experiencing a rise in mpox cases, with more than double the average weekly number of clade II cases in 2026 compared to previous years, prompting health officials to encourage at-risk individuals to get vaccinated.
- San Francisco reported its first case of the more severe clade I mpox in April, marking the seventh such case in California since November 2024; the infected individual is hospitalized but recovering.
- The mpox vaccine, given in two doses, protects against both clade I and clade II strains and is strongly recommended for gay and bisexual men and others at higher risk, especially with upcoming summer travel and events.
- Clade I mpox has a higher mortality rate (1%-10%) compared to clade II (less than 1%-4%) and can cause severe illness, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Mpox spreads through close, intimate skin-to-skin contact and causes flu-like symptoms followed by a painful, blistering rash that can last two to four weeks, underscoring the importance of vaccination and preventive measures.
