ADHS Confirms Arizona’s First Case of Clade I Mpox;

Risk to the General Public Remains Low

What You Need to Know: The Arizona Department of Health Services has confirmed Arizona’s first travel-associated case of Clade I mpox. The individual acquired the infection while traveling outside the United States. There is currently no evidence that Clade I mpox is spreading in Arizona, and the risk to the general public remains low.

Contributed Article/Courtesy ADHS

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) was notified in July of a confirmed travel-associated case of Clade I mpox in an Arizona resident. The individual acquired the infection while traveling outside the country.

ADHS and local public health officials are working to prevent additional infections through monitoring and follow-ups with people who may have been exposed. There is currently no evidence of local transmission connected to this case. There are two types of mpox, known as Clade I and Clade II. We have had cases of Clade II mpox spreading in Arizona and across the United States since 2022.

ADHS alerted healthcare providers to an increase in mpox cases reported this summer. As of July 21, 2026, Arizona had reported 34 mpox cases (Clade I and II) this year. Clade I cases are usually found in parts of Africa and are less common in the United States. We are monitoring them closely to better understand potential differences between Clade I and II. Both types of mpox cause similar symptoms, and we currently recommend using the same prevention measures, including testing, vaccination, clinical management, and public health response. 

 About Mpox

Mpox is an infection caused by the monkeypox virus. It mainly spreads through close personal contact with someone who has mpox.

This may include:

• Direct skin-to-skin contact with a rash, sores, scabs, or body fluids
• Close physical contact
• Sharing bedding, towels, clothing, or other personal items
• Prolonged close contact with someone who has mpox
• The infection can pass to a baby during pregnancy 

Casual contact in places such as stores, offices, or airplanes is unlikely to spread mpox.

Symptoms may include a new or unexplained rash that looks like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy. Some people may also experience fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, or respiratory symptoms.

People with weakened immune systems may be at greater risk for severe illness.

 What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

Get vaccinated if you may be at risk. If you recently had close physical contact with someone who has mpox, you have an increased risk of contracting the disease. The JYNNEOS vaccine can help prevent mpox and reduce the risk of severe illness. Two doses provide the best protection.

If you were exposed to someone with mpox: Contact a healthcare provider or local health department as soon as possible. You can get vaccinated after an exposure. Vaccination is most effective when given within four days of exposure but may still reduce illness when given within 14 days. Check for symptoms for 21 days after your last contact.

If you develop symptoms: Avoid close contact with others, isolate at home, and contact a healthcare provider for testing. Tell your provider about any recent travel and possible exposure to mpox.

If you have mpox: Stay home and away from other people until all sores have healed, scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. Cover rashes or lesions with clothing, gloves, or bandages if you must be around others.

Avoid skin-to-skin contact and do not share bedding, towels, clothing, or personal items with someone who has symptoms or has been diagnosed with mpox.

 Mpox Can Be Spread Through Sex

• Do not have sex or close physical contact if you or your partner has a new or unexplained rash, sores, or other symptoms of mpox.
• Condoms may reduce exposure in some areas of the body but may not prevent all mpox exposures because sores can appear elsewhere on the body.
• Consider reducing your number of partners

ADHS will continue to monitor mpox activity, provide updates to healthcare providers and public health partners, and share additional information as it becomes available.