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Health officials track Arizona’s first travel-associated case of Clade I mpox

AZ Family • July 22, 2026 • health

Key Points:

Arizona health officials have identified the state's first travel-associated case of the rare Clade I mpox strain in a resident who contracted it abroad, with no evidence of local transmission so far.
Mpox has two strains: Clade I, typically found in parts of Africa, and Clade II, which has been spreading in Arizona and the U.S. since 2022; both strains cause similar symptoms and require the same treatment approaches.
Arizona has reported an increase in mpox cases this summer, with 34 cases recorded as of July 21, involving both strains.
Mpox primarily spreads through close personal contact, including skin-to-skin contact with rashes or body fluids, sharing personal items, and prolonged close contact; casual contact is unlikely to transmit the virus.
Health officials recommend vaccination with the JYNNEOS vaccine for those at risk or recently exposed, emphasizing early vaccination within four days of exposure for optimal effectiveness, along with monitoring symptoms for 21 days.

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