On Feb. 12, 2025, the New York State Department of Health issued a Health Advisory to health care providers about a travel associated mpox clade Ib case detected in New York, the first known mpox clade Ib case in New York State, including New York City. The specimen came from a symptomatic individual who recently traveled to Africa.

“The individual who contracted the virus is under the care of a physician and isolated until the full resolution of symptoms,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “There is no known local transmission of mpox clade Ib in the community where the individual lives or anywhere within New York State. The JYNNEOS vaccine, a two-dose vaccine series that works to prevent mpox, is expected to be effective against mpox clade Ib and available for individuals at risk with the standing order I signed last year. There is no immediate risk to the general public.”

The risk to the public was low and there were no additional known community cases of mpox clade Ib. Mpox is a rarely fatal viral illness with mild infections. However, serious illness and death can occur, especially among people with immunocompromising conditions like HIV, older adults, young children and pregnant women.

Symptoms include rashes which progress to painful skin lesions and can include swollen lymph nodes, fever, sore throat, headaches, back pain, low energy, and muscle aches. Until lesions scab over, there is high likelihood of transmission and individuals should isolate till new skin forms at the site of the former lesions.

Mpox transmits through close, intimate contact such as oral, anal, or vaginal sex, kissing, or face-to-face contact. Transmission occurs through direct contact with mpox sores, scabs, or rashes; and respiratory droplets, saliva, or mucus of someone with mpox.