The world continues to grapple with the spread of monkeypox, a virus that has evolved into two distinct clades, clade I and clade II. Each clade has its own subclades, and understanding their transmission dynamics is crucial for effective prevention and treatment. Recent outbreaks have highlighted the importance of vaccination and public health measures to curb the virus’s spread.
Since late 2026, Central and Eastern Africa have been battling ongoing outbreaks of clade I monkeypox. These outbreaks have since spread to other regions, including Western Europe and the United States. The virus’s transmission patterns have shifted, with intimate or sexual contact playing a significant role in its spread. This article delves into the current situation, the global impact, and the measures being taken to control the outbreaks.
Current Situation in the United States
The risk posed by clade I monkeypox to most people in the United States remains low. However, cases have been reported, primarily among individuals who have recently traveled from affected regions in Central and Eastern Africa or Western Europe. As of June 2026, there have been more than 20 laboratory-confirmed cases of clade I monkeypox in the U.S.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects additional cases in Europe and the United States. Vaccination is a critical tool in stopping the spread of monkeypox. The CDC has vaccination recommendations for people at risk, including those traveling to countries with clade I outbreaks or new clade II outbreaks.
Global Spread and Impact
Clade I monkeypox outbreaks continue to impact Central and Eastern Africa, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) being the most affected. The virus has spread through sexual contact, household contact, and encounters with infected animals. In Western Europe, newer outbreaks have been linked to intimate or sexual contact among men who have sex with men.
Globally, there have been more than 55,000 confirmed cases of clade I monkeypox since January 2026, including over 150 deaths. The transmission dynamics are changing, with a small proportion of exported cases originating from Central or Eastern African countries. Recent travel-associated cases have been attributed to subclade Ib, with no reported deaths and relatively mild disease courses.
CDC’s Response and Prevention Efforts
The CDC is actively working to raise awareness among healthcare providers and the public. They provide guidance for diagnosing monkeypox and clinical decision-making. The CDC collaborates with international partners to reduce monkeypox transmission and supports efforts to stop the virus at its source.
In the United States, the CDC works closely with state, tribal, local, and territorial public health departments to provide recommendations for clinical management, diagnosis, and prevention of monkeypox cases. They continually increase capacity in communities for early detection of monkeypox through existing surveillance systems, including wastewater testing.
The CDC also provides information and recommendations for members of the public, including those traveling to Central or Eastern Africa. They emphasize the importance of vaccination for eligible individuals and continue to monitor the global situation to inform U.S. preparedness efforts.
