First U.S. Case of Severe Form of Mpox Reported in California
Background
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a rare but potentially serious viral illness that can spread from animals to humans. The virus is usually transmitted through contact with an infected animal or its bodily fluids. Human-to-human transmission can occur through close contact with an infected person's respiratory droplets, skin lesions, or contaminated objects.
Most cases of mpox are mild and resolve on their own within a few weeks. However, in some cases, the virus can cause severe illness, including encephalitis, sepsis, and death.
California Case
On July 25, 2023, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reported the first case of severe mpox in the United States. The patient is a male resident of Los Angeles County who was hospitalized in critical condition.
The patient had recently traveled to Africa, where he was exposed to an infected animal. He developed symptoms of mpox shortly after returning to the United States.
Symptoms
The symptoms of mpox can vary depending on the severity of the infection. Mild cases may only cause a few skin lesions, while severe cases can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Skin lesions
- Encephalitis
- Sepsis
- Death
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for mpox. Treatment is supportive and may include:
- Rest
- Fluids
- Pain relievers
- Antiviral medications
Prevention
There are several things you can do to prevent mpox, including:
- Avoid contact with infected animals
- Wash your hands frequently
- Avoid contact with respiratory droplets from infected people
- Avoid touching skin lesions
- Get vaccinated
Conclusion
Mpox is a rare but serious viral illness that can spread from animals to humans. The first U.S. case of severe mpox was reported in California in July 2023.
There is no specific treatment for mpox, but there are several things you can do to prevent it. If you think you may have mpox, see your doctor right away.
