Connecticut health officials have confirmed the state’s first case of clade I mpox, marking the latest U.S. detection of the more virulent version of the virus that causes monkeypox.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the case was identified in a person who recently traveled to Western Europe.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health announced Wednesday that the patient tested positive for clade I mpox after returning from abroad.

The state said there is no risk to the general public but urged individuals at higher risk to get vaccinated with the JYNNEOS vaccine.

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The CDC describes clade I mpox as a more virulent strain compared to clade II, the type that fueled the global outbreak beginning in 2022. Clade I was first detected in the United States in California in November 2024.

According to the World Health Organization, clade I mpox has historically circulated in Central Africa and is linked to more severe illness.

Cases often involve more widespread rashes and higher mortality than clade II infections.

Clade II mpox, which has been prevalent in West Africa, causes milder disease and was responsible for most global infections two years ago.

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Health officials say distinguishing between clades helps assess risk as international travel resumes.

The CDC and WHO both emphasize that continued surveillance is essential in preventing the spread of emerging variants. They also advise people engaging in close contact or attending crowded events to stay informed about symptoms and vaccination.

Symptoms of mpox can include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive rash, according to the CDC. Transmission generally occurs through close, intimate contact with an infected person.

Dr. Manisha Juthani, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, said the new case serves as an important reminder for community members preparing for upcoming travel and festivals.

“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,” she said in a press release.

She added that “the vaccine is safe, effective and widely available,” urging residents to complete the two-dose series as the most reliable protection against infection.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization reported new hantavirus cases in Spain and France, prompting renewed attention to a separate rodent-borne disease.

Though rare, hantavirus infections can cause serious respiratory illness in humans.

WHO officials said hantavirus typically spreads through contact with infected rodents. Despite sporadic cases, they noted the overall risk to the public remains low.

Global health agencies continue to track hantavirus and mpox activity as they monitor cross-border spread of infectious diseases. The two viruses are unrelated but underscore ongoing challenges in global health surveillance.

The CDC said its laboratories are working closely with state and international partners to identify and study newly detected clade I mpox cases.

Officials stress that awareness remains key as rare variants appear in new regions.

Public health experts continue to remind travelers to stay alert to country-specific advisories and consult local health departments for vaccination guidance when appropriate.

While Connecticut’s case is isolated, it highlights the importance of maintaining vigilance against evolving virus strains.