CDC

CDC issues health advisory amid first U.S. case of clade I mpox

November 19, 2024

CDC has confirmed the first case of clade I mpox in the U.S. The individual recently traveled to areas experiencing high transmission rates of clade I monkeypox virus (MPXV). The patient, who is recovering with mild symptoms, sought medical care in California. The overall risk to the public remains low, and there are no changes to current CDC clinical or travel guidance.

Recommendations for clinicians:

Evaluation and diagnosis

• Consider mpox in patients with relevant epidemiologic characteristics and symptoms, particularly in those individuals who recently traveled to Central or Eastern Africa or who was in contact with symptomatic individuals from these regions.
• Follow CDC infection prevention and control guidelines when evaluating suspected mpox cases.
• Advise suspected mpox patients to isolate until ruled out by testing; confirmed cases should isolate until lesions heal.
• Test all suspected cases for MPXV, including clade I testing if relevant travel history is present.
• Collect specimens following guidelines to ensure availability for clade-specific testing.
• Report suspected cases promptly to public health authorities and collaborate on case information submission.
• Contact CDC for a clinical consult after diagnosing clade I mpox.

Treatment

• Consult health departments or CDC for cases with potential severe manifestations.
• Inform patients about the STOMP Trial and encourage enrollment.
• For non-STOMP eligible patients, consult health departments for tecovirimat availability and CDC consultation.

Prevention

• Recommend vaccination for eligible individuals, including those with recent MPXV exposure. Follow CDC vaccine guidance; two doses of Jynneos offers substantial protection.
• Discuss prevention and risk reduction with travelers to affected countries.
• Counsel patients on preventing household transmission if symptomatic.

Source:

CDC. (2024, November 18). First Case of Clade I Mpox Diagnosed in the United States. [Health advisory]. https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2024/han00519.asp