PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — The Washington State Department of Health and the University of Washington have detected the clade I mpox virus, also known as monkeypox, in Pierce County wastewater.
The discovery, made on Sept. 24, has prompted the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department to collaborate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the state health department to increase wastewater testing.
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Currently, no patients with clade I mpox have been reported in Pierce County. The CDC reports that six cases of clade I mpox have been identified in the United States, all of which are linked to recent travel to countries experiencing outbreaks.
There has been no sustained transmission of clade I mpox in the U.S.
Dr. James Miller, Health Officer for Tacoma-Pierce County, emphasized the importance of public health vigilance. “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,” he said.
Dr. Miller reassured the public that the risk remains low and advised individuals with symptoms to consult their healthcare providers.
Healthcare providers are encouraged to consider mpox in patients presenting with a rash consistent with the virus and to evaluate their travel history. All mpox cases should be reported to the Health Department.
Wastewater testing is being used alongside traditional clinical reporting to detect the presence of clade I mpox early.
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The mpox virus spreads through close physical contact, including sexual contact and household interactions, and can be prevented using the same methods for both clade I and clade II. Symptoms include a rash that may appear as bumps, blisters, or ulcers, and flu-like symptoms may precede the rash.
Most individuals recover in two to four weeks, but the disease can be severe for children, pregnant individuals, or those with weakened immune systems.
Residents with new rashes or symptoms should avoid skin-to-skin contact and seek medical advice. A vaccine is available for those at higher risk, and people are encouraged to contact their healthcare providers or visit the health department’s website for vaccination information.
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