Health officials say there’s no cause for alarm after traces of a rare strain of the mpox virus were detected in Pierce County wastewater.
The Washington State Department of Health and University of Washington identified clade I mpox virus, also known as monkeypox, in a Pierce County wastewater sample collected Wednesday, Sept. 24.
It’s the first local detection of the rare strain, which has only been reported in a handful of US cases linked to international travel, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
No patients in Pierce County have tested positive for clade I mpox, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department confirmed. Officials emphasized that the risk to the public remains low.
“This is a rare occurrence, and also a great example of how public health keeps a close eye on disease spread to assess risk and inform the community when needed,” said Dr. James Miller, Health Officer for Tacoma-Pierce County. “The risk to the community from clade I mpox remains low.”
Miller encouraged those showing symptoms of mpox to contact their healthcare provider.
Two types of mpox exist: clade I and clade II. Nearly all US cases to date have been clade II. Both strains spread through close physical contact, including sexual contact, day-to-day household interactions, and unprotected healthcare exposures.
Symptoms can include a rash resembling bumps, blisters, or ulcers, sometimes accompanied by flu-like illness. Most people recover within two to four weeks, though severe cases are possible in children, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.
Healthcare providers are being urged to remain alert for potential cases, especially in patients with rash symptoms and recent international travel. A vaccine is available for people at higher risk.
You can learn more about mpox testing or vaccination on the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department website or by calling 253-649-1412.
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