California health officials have confirmed the first US case of mpox linked to the Clade I strain, a different variant than the one that circulated in the US last year.

The infected individual, who recently traveled to Africa, is currently isolating at home. While the Clade I strain has historically been associated with more severe illness, recent cases have shown less severe symptoms.

Mpox, a viral illness related to smallpox, is primarily transmitted through close contact. Symptoms typically include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a distinctive rash. While most cases resolve on their own, the disease can be fatal, especially for vulnerable populations.

The World Health Organization declared mpox a global health emergency earlier this year, with outbreaks occurring in Central and Eastern Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo. (ILKHA)