Missouri reports first two cases of severe Clade I mpox strain
FOX 2 • • health
Key Points:
- Missouri health officials have confirmed the state's first two cases of the severe Clade I mpox strain, both involving adults who recently traveled internationally.
- These are the 13th and 14th known Clade I mpox cases in the U.S., with Clade I being more severe and more likely to cause serious illness or death, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
- Public health investigations found the two cases are unrelated and not connected to any locally-acquired mpox cases, indicating no current local transmission.
- State epidemiologist Dr. George Turabelidze emphasized that while the general public risk remains low, vaccination is recommended for those at risk to prevent infection and reduce symptoms.
- Mpox symptoms include an
