Mpox Virus Detected in Pierce County Wastewater, Health Officials Say
PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. – A new strain of the mpox virus, specifically clade I, has been detected in wastewater samples collected in Pierce County on September 24th, according to the Washington State Department of Health and the University of Washington. While no cases of clade I mpox have been identified in Pierce County residents, the finding has prompted increased monitoring and collaboration between the Tacoma-pierce County Health department, the centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state health officials.
The detection is being viewed as a positive example of public health surveillance, according to Dr. James Miller,Health Officer for Tacoma-Pierce County. “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,” Dr. Miller stated.
Currently, the CDC reports six cases of clade I mpox have been identified in the United States, all linked to recent international travel to countries experiencing outbreaks.Health officials emphasize there has been no evidence of sustained transmission within the U.S.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is expanding wastewater testing as an early detection method, supplementing traditional clinical reporting. Healthcare providers in the area are being urged to consider mpox in patients presenting with a characteristic rash and to inquire about recent travel history, with all confirmed cases required to be reported to the Health Department.
Mpox spreads through close physical contact, including sexual contact and interactions within households. Symptoms typically include a rash – appearing as bumps, blisters, or ulcers – and may be preceded by flu-like symptoms. While most individuals recover within two to four weeks, the illness can be more severe for children, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems.
Residents experiencing a new rash or mpox-like symptoms are advised to avoid skin-to-skin contact and seek medical attention. A vaccine is available for individuals at higher risk, and information regarding vaccination can be found on the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department’s website: https://tpchd.org/health/diseases/mpox/vaccine/.
The World Health Institution (WHO) previously declared mpox a global health emergency due to outbreaks in Africa and has as renamed the virus from monkeypox to mpox due to concerns about racist and stigmatizing language. The preventative measures for both clade I and clade II mpox are the same.
