The number of Mpox cases in New York City has been steadily increasing since October 2023, with a significant rise among individuals who have not been vaccinated or have only received one dose. According to a health alert issued by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health) on May 3rd, prior to 2023, the city saw an average of 2 to 20 cases per month. However, since October, the number of cases has surged to an average of 36 per month, with a peak of 51 cases in January.
Out of the 256 cases reported since October, around 73% of individuals were unvaccinated or had only received one dose. Moreover, most cases were mild, with just ten individuals requiring hospitalization. Interestingly, nearly all cases involved men who have sex with men (MSMs), primarily Black and Hispanic men between the ages of 25 and 44.
To address this rise in Mpox cases, healthcare providers were urged by NYC Health to continue offering vaccines to at-risk populations, particularly those with HIV or other immunocompromising conditions. The Jynneos vaccine has transitioned to the commercial market but federally funded supplies will be available at no cost until early summer. Providers were also reminded about the risk of the more severe clade 1 virus currently causing a severe outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), potentially spreading to the United States. Although clade 1 outbreak strain has not been found outside Africa, providers were advised to watch for individuals with mpox symptoms who have traveled to or have connections with the affected region.
