Connecticut Confirms First Case Of Clade I Mpox
Patch • • health
Key Points:
- Connecticut health officials have confirmed the state's first case of clade I mpox in a person who recently traveled to Western Europe, where this strain is currently spreading.
- The case was verified by the State Public Health Laboratory, and officials stated it does not pose a public health risk.
- Clade I mpox has primarily caused outbreaks in Central and Eastern Africa, but since November 2024, over 20 cases have been reported in the U.S. linked to travel or close contact with infected individuals.
- Health authorities emphasized that mpox disproportionately affects gay and bisexual men and urged at-risk individuals to get vaccinated, highlighting the vaccine as safe, effective, and widely available.
- Symptoms of mpox include rash, fever, chills, headache, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, with transmission mainly occurring through direct skin-to-skin contact.