Arizona Confirms First Clade I Mpox Case

Arizona health officials have confirmed the state’s first Clade I mpox infection, in a resident who contracted the virus while traveling outside the United States, Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) announced Wednesday.

ADHS said it was notified this month, is following up with people who were potentially exposed, and has found no evidence of local transmission tied to the case.

Clade I is endemic to Central Africa, where an outbreak that began in late 2023 has produced more than 55,000 confirmed cases and over 150 deaths, the CDC said. Mpox is an infection caused by the monkeypox virus, which is spread through physical contact, including direct skin-to-skin contact and sharing of personal items, including bedding, towels, and clothing, the ADHS said.

The case is Arizona’s 34th mpox infection this year; the others were Clade II. Officials recommend the two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine for people who are considered at risk.

Cyanobacteria Found in Grand Canyon Waterways

Grand Canyon National Park officials say they are monitoring benthic cyanobacteria found in several park waterways and spring-fed areas, including Bright Angel Creek and the Phantom Ranch area.

Lab testing detected several cyanobacteria groups and four cyanotoxins at very low concentrations. The naturally occurring microorganisms grow on rocks and sediment, forming dark mats or mucous-like balls.

Officials said backcountry users filtering water from or beside visible mats face the greatest exposure risk, because disturbing the growths can release toxins into the water.

Visitors are urged to gather water away from visible mats. The park’s Geosciences Program is monitoring high-use sites to determine whether additional management steps are needed.

Experimental Drug for Severe Valley Fever

An experimental antifungal pill called olorofim showed promise for patients with severe valley fever, according to an Arizona-led study published this week in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Valley fever is a lung infection caused by breathing in spores from a fungus found in desert soil. The spores are often disturbed and carried into the air during dust storms. The open-label, phase 2b trial enrolled 41 patients aged 16 and older with disseminated coccidioidomycosis, a rare complication in which the fungus spreads beyond the lungs.

Participants had failed standard therapies, could not tolerate them, or had infections expected to be resistant to them. More than 70% improved on the drug, researchers reported, with side effects described as minimal.

Lead author Dr. Fariba Donovan of the Valley Fever Center for Excellence at the University of Arizona said the pill, which lacks FDA approval, could restore daily functioning for patients with no remaining options.

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➤ Northeastern Arizona: Hopi leaders declared a state of emergency on Wednesday after monsoon rains flooded the villages of Moenkopi, forcing some residents to evacuate as the water flooded homes, fields, schools, and roads, and raised the water level in the Moenkopi Wash by about 14 feet. (More)

➤ Nogales: Santa Cruz County officials also declared a countywide emergency after monsoon flooding damaged roads, homes, and infrastructure. The declaration supports response efforts and seeks additional state and federal assistance. (More)

➤ Eloy: Emergency crews rescued a horse after it became trapped near Houser Road and State Route 87 on Wednesday. The animal was freed without major injuries, and officials reminded owners to secure livestock. (More)

➤ Tucson: Twenty-one-year-old David Leroy French, suspect in the July 19 shooting that injured nine outside Empire Pizza, made his initial court appearance Thursday night and will be held without bond; a preliminary hearing is set for Aug. 3. The investigation is ongoing. (More)

➤ Flagstaff: Coconino County officials said the $120 million flood prevention project performed as designed during recent monsoon storms, reducing flooding and protecting neighborhoods in Flagstaff. (More)

➤ Yuma: U.S. Border Patrol body camera footage showed agents rescuing a man found inside a vehicle trunk during 110-degree heat. Authorities said the man survived and the investigation continues. (Watch Report)

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➤ Arizona lacrosse organizers are pushing to get the sport sanctioned by the state’s high school athletic association ahead of lacrosse’s return to the Olympics in 2028. The Arizona Lacrosse League currently has 28 teams and about 550 players but operates independently. (More)

➤ Tucson native Alex Bowman will retire from full-time NASCAR racing after the 2027 season, signing a one-year extension with Hendrick Motorsports to finish out his career. (More)

➤ Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek announced his medical retirement at age 28 after suffering a neck injury on a kickoff play last October. Vokolek was taken off the field on a stretcher and placed on injured reserve for the rest of the season. (More)

➤ Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett practiced this week at training camp after skipping the entire offseason program while seeking a raise on his $4.9 million base salary. Coach Mike LaFleur called contract negotiations with him “productive.” (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | NWSL | Golf

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➤ Arizona transportation officials are building the I-17 Willard Springs Wildlife Overpass near Flagstaff to help elk, deer, and other animals cross safely while reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions. (More)

➤ Two Arizona educators co-authored a children’s book series to promote empathy for older generations and encourage early literacy, citing declining reading rates and reduced library use as key concerns. (More)

➤ Two Valley men were on a group rafting trip in the Grand Canyon when they encountered a powerful monsoon storm that brought high winds, heavy rain, hail, and rough river conditions, highlighting just how quickly conditions can turn dangerous along the Colorado River during monsoon season. (Watch Report)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

➤ Dangerous myths about dementia are shaping how millions protect their brains, and a neuroscientist says most of them are wrong. (Hear More)

➤ Scammers posing as a major bank convinced a Florida woman to hand over $50,000 that was meant for her first home. (Listen Now)

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Have you ever been caught outdoors with no shelter during a monsoon storm?

1. Yes
2. No

Yesterday’s Results:

How’s the job market in your area?

1. Holding steady: 35%
2. Good: 28%
3. Poor: 20%
4. Cooling off: 17%

How much water does it take to knock an average adult off their feet during a flash flood?

Show me the answer