Stanislaus County confirms 4 cases of mpox

A potentially dangerous strain of mpox has surfaced in California’s Central Valley, with health officials investigating whether the virus is spreading in the United States.

Four recent cases of Clade Impox have been reported in Stanislaus County, raising new 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 two remaining cases involve the same strain, according to Stanislaus County health officials.

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 officials investigate a possible change in how the virus is spreading across the country.

Until recently, Clade Impox infections in the United States were largely associated with people who had traveled abroad. But since August 2026, health officials have identified a growing number of cases involving patients who have not recently traveled abroad.

This trend suggests that the virus may now be circulating within U.S. communities, although authorities have not established how individuals in Stanislaus County acquired the infection.

Still, Stanislaus County Public Health Officer Dr. Thea Papasozomenos stressed that the threat to the general public remains low.

“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 symptoms, getting vaccinated if there is a risk of exposure to mpox, and seeking medical attention when needed are important ways to protect yourself and prevent the spread of mpox. »

Monkeypox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection that can cause painful, blister-like sores and a range of flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, headache and muscle aches.

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Some patients develop only a handful of lesions without experiencing other symptoms, making infections potentially harder to recognize.

Symptoms can appear up to 21 days after exposure, and most infected people recover within two to four weeks. However, the disease can sometimes cause serious complications.

There are two main types of viruses, Clade I and Clade II, both of which are spread through similar forms of close contact.

The virus is spread primarily through direct skin-to-skin contact, including intimate or sexual contact, as well as exposure to infected wounds or bodily fluids.

People can also become infected by sharing contaminated clothing, towels or bedding.

However, officials stressed that the mpox virus is not easily spread through everyday encounters, such as passing someone in a grocery store or sharing an office.

Health officials are urging residents at increased risk of exposure to get vaccinated with JYNNEOS, a two-dose vaccine administered approximately four weeks apart.

Those who have already received their first injection are encouraged to complete the series for better protection.

Anyone who develops unexplained sores or a suspicious rash should contact a healthcare professional about testing, which usually involves swabbing an affected lesion.

People who suspect they have mpox should avoid close physical contact and share personal belongings until they receive medical advice.

Stanislaus County health officials are currently working alongside the California Department of Public Health and healthcare providers to track infections and prevent new cases.