(NEW YORK) — California health officials have confirmed the first U.S. case of a severe strain of mpox in a resident of Long Beach who has no recent travel history. The case was reported this week, marking a significant development in the ongoing monitoring of the virus. The patient required hospitalization but is now recovering at home under isolation. Specific details about the patient, such as age, sex, or name, have not been disclosed.

This case is notable as it is the seventh confirmed instance of the severe strain in the U.S. this year, but the first without a known travel history. Local officials have stated that the risk to the general public remains low. The health department is actively investigating the case to identify potential sources of exposure.

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "We are taking this very seriously and ensuring our community and health care partners remain vigilant so we can prevent any more cases. This underscores the importance of continued surveillance, early response, and vaccination."

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is caused by two strains of the virus: clade I and clade II. Clade I is associated with severe illness and is endemic to parts of central and western Africa. Clade II was responsible for a significant outbreak that peaked in the summer of 2022, resulting in over 100,000 cases across 122 countries, including more than 30,000 cases in the U.S. The less severe strain has been circulating at low levels in the U.S. and remains relatively stable.

In Africa, there has been ongoing person-to-person transmission of the more severe strain. Prior to this case, all six confirmed instances of the severe strain in the U.S. involved individuals who had recently traveled to regions linked to outbreaks in central and eastern Africa. California had previously reported the first domestic case of the severe strain in November 2024, involving a traveler from Africa who experienced mild symptoms.

Symptoms of mpox typically include a rash that can appear on various parts of the body, including the hands, feet, chest, face, mouth, or near the genitals. Most individuals recover within two to four weeks without specific treatment.

The JYNNEOS vaccine, a two-dose vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of smallpox and mpox, is currently the only vaccine available in the U.S. It is recommended for adults at high risk for mpox, particularly those who are gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, especially if they have multiple sexual partners or intimate contact with someone who may have mpox.