Health officials track Arizona’s first travel-associated case of Clade I mpox - AZ Family

What the report says

AZFamily reported that Arizona health officials are monitoring the state’s first travel-associated case of Clade I mpox. The Arizona Department of Health Services said it was alerted this month that an Arizona resident became infected while traveling internationally. The case was announced Wednesday in Phoenix, according to the report.

ADHS and local public health officials are following up with people who may have been exposed. The department said it has not found evidence that the Clade I case has led to local spread. Officials also noted that Arizona has recorded more mpox reports this summer, with 34 cases statewide as of July 21 when both Clade I and Clade II are counted.

The article explained that mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus and generally spreads through close personal contact, including direct contact with rash lesions, scabs, body fluids, shared personal items, or prolonged close exposure. ADHS said casual encounters in settings such as stores, offices or airplanes are unlikely to transmit the infection. Symptoms can include a new rash resembling pimples or blisters, fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion or respiratory symptoms.

Clade II has circulated in Arizona and across the United States since 2022, while Clade I is more often associated with parts of Africa and remains uncommon in the U.S., ADHS said. Officials recommend testing, vaccination, clinical care and public health follow-up for both strains. ADHS said the JYNNEOS vaccine can help prevent mpox or lessen severe illness, especially when given soon after exposure.