New Hampshire Resident Contracts Mpox: Health Officials Assure Low Public Risk

A resident of New Hampshire recently traveled to East Africa and returned with a disease known as clade I mpox. Thankfully, this person is self-isolating and currently poses no risk to the public, according to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.

This case is the first clade I mpox diagnosis in New Hampshire and the third in the United States. The health department stated that the person likely contracted the illness during their travels, and there’s no sign of person-to-person transmission happening in the state or the country right now.

The mpox virus spreads mainly through direct contact with an infected individual who has an active rash. State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan mentioned that public health officials are working to reach out to anyone who may have been in close contact with the infected individual. This effort aims to connect them with preventive measures, including vaccination, and to help them monitor for any symptoms.

Mpox is caused by two types of the virus: clade I and clade II. While clade II has been circulating at low levels in the U.S. since a significant outbreak in 2022, clade I has recently led to outbreaks in Central and Eastern Africa.

Both strains primarily spread through physical contact with someone showing symptoms or by touching contaminated items. It’s important to note that mpox is not transmitted through the air.

Symptoms of mpox begin with an infectious rash that evolves as the illness progresses. Other common symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, and muscle aches. A person is contagious from the onset of symptoms until their rash is healed and fresh skin forms.

For more detailed information about mpox, you can visit the DHHS mpox webpage.