LOS ANGELES - Three cases of a severe and rare virus strain have been detected in Los Angeles County. Local officials are concerned it could be spreading.

The Los Angeles County Public Health Department reported three individuals have been diagnosed with a rare strain of mpox virus, called clade I mpox. In the U.S., this strain has historically been diagnosed solely in travelers exposed to the disease in Africa, where it originated.

These cases in Los Angeles County are the first in the nation to be diagnosed without known prior travel exposure.

Story Date: November 4, 2025