Mpox outbreak hits California county as health officials probe US spread

A potentially dangerous strain of mpox has surfaced in California’s Central Valley, with health officials investigating whether the virus is spreading within the US.Four recent cases of Clade I mpox have been reported in Stanislaus County, raising fresh concerns about possible community transmission of a strain historically associated with international travel. The California Department of Public Health has confirmed two infections as Clade I, while additional testing is underway to determine whether the remaining two cases involve the same strain, according to Stanislaus County health officials.  The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story Three of the infected individuals reported no recent international travel, while investigators are still examining the travel history of the fourth patient. The troubling discovery comes as health authorities investigate a possible shift in how the virus is spreading across the country.Until recently, Clade I mpox infections in the US were largely associated with people who had traveled internationally.

But since August 2026, health officials have identified an increasing number of cases involving patients with no recent overseas travel.That pattern suggests the virus may now be circulating within US communities, although officials have not established how the individuals in Stanislaus County contracted the infection.Still, Dr.Thea Papasozomenos, Stanislaus County’s public health officer, stressed that the threat to the broader public remains small.“While we have identified four cases in our county, we want residents to know that the risk to the general public remains low,” Papasozomenos said.

“Being aware of the symptoms, getting vaccinated if at risk of exposure to mpox, and seeking medical care when needed are important...