DPH identifies Connecticut's first case of clade I mpox

The Connecticut Department of Public Health announced Wednesday that it has identified the state’s first case of clade I mpox.

The person with the case of mpox recently traveled to Western Europe, where the virus is currently spreading, according to DPH.

The virus has primarily affected gay and bisexual men. DPH is urging people at risk to get vaccinated ahead of the summer travel season.

“Mpox hasn’t gone away, and we want people to be protected, especially as many in our community prepare for travel, festivals, and gatherings this summer,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani. “The vaccine is safe, effective, and widely available. Completing the two-dose series is the best way to protect yourself and your partners.”

There are both clade I and clade II types of mpox virus. Clade II cases have been spreading in the U.S. and around the world since an outbreak in 2022, according to DPH. Clade I cases have primarily been in Central and Eastern Africa, but has recently been detected in Western Europe.

There have been 20 clade I cases reported in the U.S. since November 2024.

A person who contracts mpox develops a rash that can look like pimples or blisters. The rash eventually forms a scab and takes several weeks to heal.

Some people can also develop fever, chills, a headache, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.

Both types of the virus are spread mainly through skin-to-skin contact with the rash, according to DPH.

There is information on mpox and where to get vaccinated on the DPH website.

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