How the MPOX variant Clade I differs from Clade II – NBC 6 South Florida

Mpox cases are increasing in South Florida as a new variant raises concerns overseas.

Doctors say the new variant, called Clade 1, is more deadly and appears to spread faster than Clade 2 did during a 2022 outbreak that spread across the world, including South Florida.

In contrast to Clade 2, 75% of Clade 1 cases affect children, according to Dr. Jyoti Somani of Jackson Health Systems.

“It appears to be much closer contact, not necessarily intimate contact,” said Dr. Somani. “The mortality rate has historically been higher than in Clade 2, at about 10 percent.”

Dr. Somani says the new variant also causes a rash that appears to spread all over the body, while rashes due to “Clade 2” remain confined to limited areas of the body.

Other symptoms may include fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, headaches and respiratory problems.

Last week, the World Health Organization declared a state of emergency due to the spread of the “Clade 1” disease, which originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa. At least one case has now been reported in Sweden.

Dr. Somani says South Florida may be more vulnerable to the spread of disease because it is an international destination.

Robert Boo, CEO of the Pride Center at Equality Park, is already preparing to use the grant funds to launch an awareness campaign and hold town hall meetings like they did in 2022.

“It's a matter of time,” Boo said. “Our goal is to reach at least 26,000 people. Mpox is still a problem, not just for the LGBTQ community. It affects the entire community.”

The Florida Department of Health has not yet issued any health alerts, but told NBC6 that there is sufficient vaccine on hand if needed.

Although the new variant has not yet been registered in Florida, Mpox “Clade 2” cases are already exceeding last year's numbers. As of Monday, Miami-Dade reports 48 cases and Broward 23 cases.

However, this is still a far cry from the hundreds of cases that occurred in both countries just two years ago.

“We are prepared, we have the vaccine, so we should be able to keep the situation under control,” said Dr. Somani.