Arizona Reports First Clade I Mpox Case in Resident with Recent Travel
Arizona health officials have confirmed the state’s first infection of an mpox strain responsible for a global outbreak, identifying the case as having been infected while traveling outside the United States.
The Arizona Department of Health and Services (ADHS) stated in a recent announcement that it has confirmed its first case of Clade I mpox, involving a person with recent international travel.
According to the statement, ADHS and local public health officials are working to prevent additional infections through monitoring and follow-ups with people who may have been exposed. The agency emphasized that there is currently no evidence of local transmission connected to this case.
The patient’s information has been kept confidential, with the ADHS only stating that it was notified of a confirmed travel-associated case of the mpox strain this month. It is the state’s 34th case of the disease this year, with all but the most recent patient having contracted Clade II mpox.
What is Mpox?
Mpox is an infection caused by the monkeypox virus, which is spread through physical contact, including direct skin-to-skin contact and sharing of personal items, such as bedding, towels, and clothing, as stated by the ADHS.
The virus has two main clades: Clade I, which is endemic to Central Africa, and Clade II, which is associated with West Africa. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Clade I was historically reported to have a much higher case-fatality rate than Clade II, though recent data suggest case-fatality rates for both clades are low, especially when medical care is provided.
Global Outbreak Update
Clade II is the cause of the ongoing mpox outbreak that began in 2022, infecting more than 114,000 people worldwide, including about 37,500 people infected in the United States, CDC statistics show. ADHS statistics show Arizona had 582 mpox infections in 2022, followed by 20 in 2023, 66 in 2024, and 17 last year.
Clade I is also responsible for an ongoing mpox outbreak that began in Central Africa in late 2023, and which has since spread internationally, resulting in more than 55,000 confirmed cases, including more than 150 deaths, since January 2024, the CDC said.
The United States reported between 1,700 and 2,800 mpox cases a year from 2023 through 2025, though nearly all have been Clade II. The CDC stated that Clade I cases have increased in frequency in the country since March, with more than 20 cases reported in the United States as of June.
Arizona’s Response
The ADHS is working closely with local public health officials to monitor and follow up with individuals who may have been exposed to the Clade I mpox virus. The agency is also taking steps to prevent additional infections through monitoring and follow-ups with people who may have been exposed.
While there is currently no evidence of local transmission connected to this case, the ADHS is taking a proactive approach to prevent the spread of the virus. The agency is urging individuals to take precautions to prevent the spread of mpox, including avoiding close contact with individuals who have symptoms of the disease and washing hands frequently.
In conclusion, the confirmation of the first Clade I mpox case in Arizona highlights the importance of taking precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. The ADHS is working closely with local public health officials to monitor and follow up with individuals who may have been exposed to the Clade I mpox virus, and the agency is urging individuals to take precautions to prevent the spread of mpox.
The ongoing mpox outbreak is a reminder of the importance of being aware of the risks associated with the disease and taking steps to prevent its spread. By staying informed and taking precautions, individuals can help prevent the spread of mpox and protect themselves and their communities.
