Since October 2023, cases of Mpox in New York City have been steadily increasing, particularly 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 this year, the city saw an average of 2 to 20 cases per month. However, since October, the number of cases has spiked to an average of 36 per month, with a peak of 51 cases in January. Of the 256 cases reported since October, a staggering 73% of individuals were unvaccinated or had only received one dose. Additionally, 94% of those affected were men who have sex with men, primarily Black and Hispanic men between the ages of 25 and 44. Most cases were mild, with just ten individuals requiring hospitalization.
Healthcare providers have been urged by NYC Health to continue offering vaccines to at-risk populations, particularly individuals with HIV or other immunocompromising conditions. The Jynneos vaccine has now 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 posed by the more severe clade 1 virus currently causing an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), potentially spreading to the United States. While this strain has not been found outside Africa, healthcare providers have been advised to watch out for individuals with mpox symptoms who have traveled to or have connections with that region.
This rise in Mpox cases is concerning as it could put vulnerable populations at risk if not addressed promptly. It is important for everyone to take precautions such as practicing safe sex and being cautious around close contact with others who may be infected. Additionally, healthcare providers must continue their efforts to educate and vaccinate at-risk populations while staying vigilant against potential outbreaks like clade 1 virus.
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health) issued a health alert on May third stating that cases of Mpox in New York City had been on the rise since October 2023. Before this year, the city saw an average of two to twenty cases per month but since October, the number of cases has increased significantly.
Since then, there has been an average increase in monthly cases from thirty-six up until January when there was a peak of fifty-one cases reported. Out of these two hundred fifty-six reported cases since October seventy-three percent were unvaccinated or had only received one dose while ninety-four percent were men who have sex with men primarily between ages twenty-five and forty-four.
Most reported cases were mild but ten individuals required hospitalization which is why healthcare providers are being urged by NYC Health to offer vaccines to at-risk populations especially those with HIV or other immunocompromising conditions.
Jynneos vaccine has already transitioned into commercial market but federally funded supplies will be available at no cost until early summer for providers’ convenience.
However what is concerning is that there is a possibility that more severe clade 1 virus currently causing an outbreak in DRC could potentially spread to United States which is why healthcare providers should be vigilant about watching out for individuals with mpox symptoms who may have traveled or connected with that region despite clade one strain not being found outside Africa priorly.