New Delhi, Oct. 17 -- Two cases of a more severe case of mpox have been reported in California in the United States, the first of its kind in people who have no recent travel history.

Officials at the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the first case earlier this week after running lab tests at a state lab.

The second case was confirmed in Los Angeles, where county officials reported a similar patient.

"We are taking this very seriously and ensuring our community and health care partners remain vigilant so we can prevent any more cases," Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said in a press release. "This underscores the importance of continued surveillance, early response and vaccination," he added.

Officials furt...