Rapid Detection of Deadly Mpox Case Underscores Importance of Public Health Partnerships 

Early preparation helped health departments move quickly to protect Americans 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 18, 2024 
Contact: Elizabeth Finley, efinley@ncsddc.org, (919) 749-7309 

Washington, DC – On Saturday, the California Department of Public Health reported the first case of the Clade 1 strain of the mpox virus. The virus that has circulated overseas for months is far deadlier than the strain that caused the 2022 U.S. mpox outbreak. State and local public health officials have worked over the past year to prepare for the arrival of the new Clade 1 mpox, despite funding cutbacks causing challenges in being fully prepared.  David C. Harvey, Executive Director of NCSD, issued the following statement: 

“Saturday’s announcement of the nation’s first case of the deadlier strain of mpox set into motion a response from state and local public health departments. This is the system that time and again has responded to infectious disease outbreaks to protect the health of Americans, working behind the scenes and in invisible ways to help people. 

“Largely without additional new resources, governmental public health programs will again respond to mpox and navigate people to the health care system, in partnership with industry, CDC, NIH and other federal agencies. This is America at its best: protecting the health of all people no matter where you live or what community you belong to.” 

“As we prepare for the incoming Trump administration, NCSD stands ready to assist wherever possible as changes and reforms are considered for how to strengthen America’s public health system and make Americans healthier, including our nation’s response to mpox, STIs, HIV, hepatitis and other infectious diseases,” says David C. Harvey. 

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