The city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in New York City has reported a sharp increase in Mpox cases since the beginning of the year. As of Friday, 149 people have tested positive for the virus, with 47 confirmed cases between March 10 and April 6.
Since October, the average number of cases per month in the city has been around 36, with a peak of 51 cases in January. Of the total confirmed cases from October to April 15, 188 were among individuals who were either not vaccinated against Mpox or had only received one dose of the vaccine.
According to a health advisory issued by city officials, reported case numbers in New York City have been low for most of 2023, ranging from two to 20 cases per month between January and September. However, there has been a significant increase since October, with an average of 36 cases per month and a peak of 51 cases in January.
The advisory also revealed that an astonishingly high percentage (73%) of the confirmed cases were among individuals who were not vaccinated against Mpox or had only received one dose of the vaccine. Additionally, out of these confirmed cases, more than nine out of ten (94%) involved men who have sex with men (MSM). Most Mpox cases are mild and do not require hospitalization, but ten people did need medical attention.
Mpox or monkeypox is caused by a virus that is similar to what causes smallpox. It is primarily transmitted through intimate contact within social networks involving MSM and other marginalized communities such as transgender individuals. The health department emphasized that vaccination is crucial to prevent Mpox and reduce symptoms for those who have been exposed or at risk of exposure in the future.
The surge in Mpox cases highlights the importance of getting vaccinated as soon as possible if you suspect you may be at risk or if you have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for the disease.
