The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) announced Tuesday the first confirmed case of clade I mpox in a Clark County resident. The individual reported no travel exposure. This new diagnosis occurs alongside a recent increase in clade II mpox cases, with the Health District reporting 11 confirmed clade II cases since August 2026. Since June 2022, a total of 365 mpox cases have been reported in Clark County.
Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Health District, emphasized the ongoing presence of the virus in the community. Dr. Lockett stated in the release that the first clade I case and the recent increase in clade II cases serve as reminders that mpox continues to circulate in the community. He urged individuals at risk to get vaccinated and advised anyone potentially exposed to seek guidance promptly. Dr. Lockett also highlighted the importance of recognizing symptoms and avoiding close contact when sick as critical steps to prevent further spread.
Mpox primarily spreads through close, sustained physical contact, including intimate or sexual contact. Direct contact with a person’s rash, sores, scabs, or bodily fluids, such as during kissing or oral, anal, or vaginal sex, can transmit the virus. It can also spread through contact with contaminated items like clothing, bedding, or towels, and from a pregnant person to their child during pregnancy or childbirth.
Individuals who believe they may have been exposed to mpox should contact a healthcare provider without delay to discuss vaccination options. They should also monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days following their last exposure. Vaccination is most effective when administered within four days of exposure. If given between four and 14 days after exposure, the vaccine may still offer some protection or reduce the severity of the illness.
The mpox virus exists in two primary types: clade I and clade II. Clade II was responsible for the global outbreak that began in 2022 and continues to circulate at low levels within the United States. A significant clade I outbreak occurred in Central and Eastern Africa in 2024, with cases subsequently identified in various other countries, including the United States. Both types of the virus can be prevented using the same methods, and the JYNNEOS vaccine is expected to provide protection against both clade I and clade II.
For people with suspected or confirmed mpox, specific steps are recommended to prevent the spread of the illness. These include staying home and avoiding close contact with others, including both people and pets within the same household. It is crucial to avoid sexual contact, kissing, and other close physical interactions. If being around others cannot be avoided, individuals should wear a well-fitting mask and ensure rashes and sores are completely covered with clothing or bandages. Sharing personal items such as clothing, bedding, or towels should be avoided. Frequent hand washing with soap and water, particularly after touching the rash, is advised, with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer serving as an alternative if soap and water are unavailable. Individuals diagnosed with mpox should maintain isolation until all sores have fully healed, scabs have fallen off, and a new layer of skin has formed.
The Southern Nevada Health District provides mpox vaccination services for eligible individuals aged 18 and older at its immunization clinics. The vaccine requires two doses, administered four weeks apart. Appointments for vaccination are available through the Health District's designated online portal, www.SNHD.info/immunizations.
