First Case Of Severe Mpox Strain Detected In NYC

NEW YORK, NY — Health officials have identified the first known New York City case of a more severe strain of mpox, part of a small number of infections reported nationwide.

The strain, known as mpox clade I, has been detected in 11 people across the United States since November 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Federal health officials said all known cases have been linked to travel. Patients either recently traveled to regions in Central and Eastern Africa associated with the outbreak or had close contact with someone who had.

The identification of the case in New York City marks the latest instance of the strain appearing in the United States, though officials said transmission remains limited.

The CDC said the overall risk to the general public remains low.

Health officials continue to monitor the strain, which is considered more severe than other forms of mpox, while emphasizing that current cases have been tied to specific travel-related exposures rather than widespread community transmission.