News Release


*For Immediate Release:*

October 16, 2025

 

* County Public Health Confirms Its First Case of Clade I Mpox*

  "Case not linked to travel; Public health urges vaccination, testing, and prevention."

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed its first case of clade I mpox in an adult with no recent travel to regions where this virus is typically found. The individual was hospitalized and is now recovering at home.

This is the second clade I mpox case in LA County and the second in the nation without known travel to another country where clade I is typically found. The City of Long Beach, which has its own health department, also announced [ [link removed] ] a separate clade I mpox case earlier this week.

Public Health is collaborating closely with California Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate these mpox cases as swiftly and effectively as possible. Enhanced surveillance and contact tracing are underway to identify any additional cases and potential sources of the infection and to prevent further transmission.

*How Mpox Clade I and Clade II Differ*

Mpox is caused by two main types or clades of the mpox virus: clade I and clade II.


* Clade II causes mild to moderate illness and has been circulating at low levels in the United States since 2022.
* Clade I may be more severe than clade II and has recently been linked to outbreaks in some African countries since 2024. Clade I mpox may spread more easily than clade II mpox, including through close personal contact (like massage or cuddling) in addition to sex.

Both clade I and clade II may present with flu-like symptoms followed by a rash, and can be spread through close person contact (sex, massage or cuddling) and within households or by sharing personal items. Laboratory testing of lesions can confirm a diagnosis for clade I and clade II mpox.

So far in 2025, Public Health has reported 118 [ [link removed] ] cases of clade II mpox.

"The identification of cases of clade I mpox, which may cause more severe illness than the more common clade II, is concerning," said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. "Mpox continues to be spread largely through close, intimate contact with symptomatic people, mainly during sexual activity. Early detection, testing and vaccination are vital to controlling the spread of this virus. Getting both doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine provides the best protection against mpox." 

*Public Health strongly recommends*:


* *Get Vaccinated.* Vaccination with both doses remains an effective tool in preventing the spread of mpox. The JYNNEOS vaccine is a safe, two-dose vaccine that helps protect against both clade I and clade II mpox, and getting both doses provides the best protection.

The vaccine is available for:


* Gay, bisexual, or other men who has sex with men;
* Transgender, nonbinary, or gender-diverse individuals;
* People with HIV or taking/eligible for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or doxy post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) [ [link removed] ];
* Anyone exposed to someone with mpox in the last 14 days;
* Anyone planning travel to sub-Saharan Africa or areas with clade I mpox outbreak [ [link removed] ]_s_ and anticipates sexual or intimate contact while traveling;
* Anyone planning to attend a commercial sex event or venue (like a sex club or bathhouse);
* Individuals with a sex partner who meets any of the above risk factors; or
* Anyone who requests mpox vaccination, even if they have not disclosed any risks factors listed above.

Additionally, the mpox vaccine is recommended for anyone at occupational risk for exposure to mpox [ [link removed] ](e.g., certain laboratory workers).

People in high-risk groups are urged to get fully vaccinated. Second doses can be given no matter how long it’s been since the first dose. Vaccine boosters (i.e., third doses) are not recommended at this time.

Pharmacies across LA County offer the vaccine. To locate a nearby pharmacy location with JYNNEOS vaccine, visit the Bavarian Nordic Vaccine Locator [ [link removed] ] webpage. Individuals can also call their healthcare providers to inquire about receiving JYNNEOS. Public Health also maintains a list of public vaccination sites [ [link removed] ] that carry the JYNNEOS vaccine. Most health insurance plans should cover JYNNEOS vaccine for eligible individuals; this includes Medi-Cal, Medicare, and private insurance. Residents are advised to contact their health plan to find out if they cover JYNNEOS. People should call ahead to make sure the JYNNEOS vaccine is available in advance of going to a vaccine provider.

For uninsured and underinsured individuals, JYNNEOS vaccine is a covered service for eligible persons enrolled in the PrEP Assistance Program (PrEP-AP) [ [link removed] ] or AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) [ [link removed] ]. Uninsured and underinsured individuals can also access free JYNNEOS vaccine at Public Health Sexual Health Clinics [ [link removed] ]. Appointments and visits as soon as possible are strongly recommended to ensure availability of the limited supply of vaccine. Public Health’s sexual health clinics found at [link removed] [ [link removed] ]

For more information on how to get the mpox JYNNEOS vaccine, call the Public Health Infoline at 1-833-540-0473, seven days a week, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.


* *Get Tested if You Have Symptoms.* Symptoms consistent with mpox include rash, fever or swollen lymph nodes. If symptoms develop, seek medical attention and get tested.

Health care providers should be aware of the possibility of mpox and promptly test suspected cases. Providers should immediately notify Public Health if the patient has traveled to Africa in the past 21 days to facilitate expedited testing.


* *Practice Prevention.* Reduce the risk of getting and spreading mpox by:

* Not having sex or close contact if you or your partner(s) have mpox symptoms, such as a new or unexplained rash or sores or feels sick until they see a health care provider.
* Reducing the number of sexual or close contact partners, especially if their recent sexual history is unknown.
* Making a habit of exchanging contact info with any new partner for sexual health follow-up if needed.
* Limiting going to sex or circuit parties or spaces with intimate contact with multiple people.
* Using condoms and gloves during sexual activity:
* Condoms (latex or polyurethane) may protect the mouth, penis anus or vagina from exposure to mpox; however, condoms alone may not prevent all exposures to mpox since the rash can occur on other parts of the body.
* Gloves (latex, polyurethane or nitrile) may reduce exposure if inserting fingers or hands into the anus or the vagina. The gloves must cover all exposed skin and be removed carefully to avoid touching the outer surface.

* Not sharing towels, clothing, bedding, fetish gear, sex toys or toothbrushes.
* Washing hands and all gear, towels, bedding and sex toys thoroughly after use or sex act.

For the most up-to-date information and resources, please visit ph.lacounty.gov/mpox [ [link removed] ] or contact the Public Health Info Line at 1-833-540-0473, seven days a week, 8a.m. – 8p.m.

*About Mpox*

Mpox (previously referred to as Monkeypox) is mainly spread through close contact with body fluids, sores, shared bedding or clothing or respiratory droplets (kissing, coughing, sneezing). Symptoms include rash or unusual sores that look like pimples or pus-filled blisters on the face, body and genitals, fever, chills, headache, muscle aches or swelling of lymph nodes. Early detection, testing and vaccination are vital to controlling the spread of this disease and protecting the health of Los Angeles County residents. For more information visit our website [ [link removed] ].


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"*The Los Angeles County Departmen**t of Public Health* "

"The Department of Public Health is committed to promoting health equity and ensuring optimal health and well -being for all 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises of more than 5,000 employees and has an annual budget of $1.3 billion."

 

"Los Angeles County Department of Public Health works to protect health, 
prevent disease, and promote health and well-being."

 

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