The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Sexually Transmitted Diseases Control Branch is issuing this Health Update to notify clinicians and local health departments about the geographical spread of clade I mpox within Africa and recommendations for practice, diagnostic testing, and surveillance for mpox.

Clade I mpox is associated with increased transmissibility and fatality rates compared to the currently circulating clade IIb mpox in the US. Healthcare providers are advised to have a heightened index of suspicion for clade I mpox in patients with recent travel to Africa and signs and symptoms consistent with mpox. If clade I mpox infection is suspected, providers should notify their local health department immediately to arrange clade-specific testing.

Please see the full CDPH Health Update here: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/CAHAN/Update-on-Clade-I-Mpox-Geographical-Spread-in-Africa-Recommendations-for-California-Health-Care-Providers.aspx