This week, health officials confirmed two cases of a more severe strain of mpox in patients from California—who have no recent travel history to affected areas.
The state health department is conducting an investigation to identify the patients’ sources of exposure, which are believed to be of local origin. According to officials, the risk to the general public remains low.
Both patients were previously hospitalized and are now recovering at home. No additional identifying information has been released. So far, no association between the two cases has been established.
Indeed, as the world continues to feel the ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the spread of other viruses is on people's minds. One of such concerns is the spread of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, a chickenpox-like virus that causes unpleasant skin lesions.
If you're concerned or simply curious, check out this gallery to learn all about mpox.