Introduction: Why Monkeypox Is Back in the News
After a period of relative calm, Monkeypox (now officially renamed Mpox) is once again trending in global health discussions. Recent reports from Los Angeles County and other regions in the United States have raised alarms about a new severe strain of the virus, prompting health authorities to monitor potential community spread.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) are closely tracking these developments as public health experts warn that the virus may be mutating in ways that make it more transmissible or capable of causing more serious illness.
What Is Monkeypox (Mpox)?
Monkeypox, or Mpox, is a rare viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, part of the same family as smallpox. Although less deadly than smallpox, it can still lead to painful lesions, fever, and fatigue, and in some cases, severe complications.
The disease was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys kept for research, and the first human case was identified in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, Mpox has been mostly limited to Central and West Africa — until a global outbreak in 2022 brought it into international focus.
Latest Update: New Cases in LA County and Beyond
According to reports from The New York Times and SFGATE, at least three new cases of a severe Mpox strain have been detected in the U.S., with one confirmed in Los Angeles County.
Health officials described the cases as “rare and severe,” affecting individuals with weakened immune systems. While the overall number of cases remains low, the severity of symptoms has led experts to raise awareness again.
Dr. Barbara Ferrer, LA County’s Public Health Director, said in a statement:
“We are not seeing widespread transmission yet, but this is a reminder that Mpox remains a threat, particularly among those with compromised immunity.”
The CDC is currently conducting genetic sequencing on the virus samples to determine whether this is a new variant or a resurgence of an earlier strain.
Symptoms of Monkeypox (Mpox)
Health officials remind the public to stay informed about the symptoms of Mpox, which can appear 5–21 days after exposure.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Fever and chills
- Headache and body aches
- Fatigue and swollen lymph nodes
- Rash that develops into blisters or pustules
- Painful lesions on the face, hands, or genitals
Severe Symptoms (in rare cases):
- Secondary bacterial infections
- Respiratory distress
- Sepsis
- Vision problems (if lesions occur near the eyes)
In these new U.S. cases, the lesions were described as deep and necrotic, with longer recovery times — suggesting the potential presence of a stronger variant.
How Is Monkeypox Spread?
Mpox spreads primarily through close physical contact with an infected person or contaminated materials.
Transmission routes include:
- Direct skin-to-skin contact with lesions or body fluids
- Prolonged face-to-face contact (respiratory droplets)
- Touching contaminated clothing or bedding
- Contact with infected animals (rare outside Africa)
While early outbreaks were often linked to sexual contact, experts emphasize that Mpox is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD) — it simply spreads more easily in close-contact environments.
Health Experts’ Concerns
Public health experts worry that vaccine fatigue and reduced awareness might lead to complacency. After the 2022–2023 global outbreak, vaccination rates dropped significantly.
Dr. Rajesh Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist at Harvard Medical School, told reporters:
“We’ve made progress since the last major outbreak, but viruses like Mpox don’t just disappear. If we let our guard down, it can come back — and hit harder.”
Another concern is mutations. Like other viruses, Mpox can evolve over time, and early analyses suggest this current cluster might belong to a genetic branch associated with more severe symptoms.
Preventive Measures: How to Protect Yourself
Public health agencies recommend the following preventive actions:
- Vaccination:The JYNNEOS vaccine remains effective in preventing Mpox and is available at local clinics in most U.S. states.
- Avoid Close Contact:Do not share bedding, clothing, or towels with individuals showing rashes or lesions.
- Hygiene:Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after physical contact.
- Monitor Symptoms:If you develop a rash or flu-like symptoms after contact with a suspected case, isolate immediately and contact healthcare providers.
- Public Awareness:Stay updated through trusted sources such as the CDC, WHO, and local health departments.
Is the New Strain More Dangerous?
So far, health experts are cautious but not alarmed. Current data suggests that the new severe strain may cause more pronounced symptoms in immunocompromised individuals, but it is not spreading faster than previous variants.
Dr. Jennifer McQuiston from the CDC stated:
“We’re seeing more severe outcomes in specific patients, not necessarily higher transmission rates. Our goal is to identify and contain these cases early.”
Still, researchers are watching for changes in mutation patterns that could affect vaccine effectiveness or treatment outcomes.
Mpox vs. COVID-19: Why This Is Different
While both Mpox and COVID-19 are viral diseases that can spread through contact, there are key differences:
- Mpox spreads primarily through direct contact, not airborne transmission.
- Symptoms are visible, making it easier to identify and isolate cases.
- The mortality rate for Mpox remains relatively low (<1%) in recent outbreaks.
Experts stress that this is not another pandemic, but a localized outbreak that needs vigilance.
Public Health Response
Local health departments are ramping up testing and vaccination drives. In Los Angeles, temporary Mpox testing centers have reopened in affected neighborhoods.
Meanwhile, the CDC is coordinating with hospitals nationwide to report suspected cases quickly and trace potential contacts.
WHO has also urged international cooperation, warning that global travel can easily reintroduce the virus across borders.
Community Awareness and Media Coverage
Social media is playing a major role in spreading awareness. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), hashtags such as #MpoxAlert and #Monkeypox2025 are trending.
Public response has been mixed — some express concern over government readiness, while others call for calm, pointing out that vaccines and treatments are available.
Health influencers and medical professionals are using these platforms to dispel myths and guide people toward accurate information.
Outlook: What Happens Next
The next few weeks will be critical. If new cases appear outside of California, the CDC may issue updated travel and health advisories.
Experts believe that with early detection, vaccination, and community cooperation, this outbreak can be contained swiftly — preventing a repeat of the 2022 global spread.
Public health systems are far better prepared now, with stronger surveillance, stockpiled vaccines, and public awareness campaigns ready to activate if needed.
Conclusion: Stay Alert, Not Afraid
The resurgence of Monkeypox (Mpox) in 2025 serves as a reminder that viral threats never completely vanish. While the latest cases are concerning, experts agree that vigilance and public cooperation can prevent a major crisis.
If you live in or near affected areas, stay informed, practice hygiene, and get vaccinated if eligible. Awareness is the best defense against fear — and the most powerful tool in protecting community health.