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New York City has seen a surge in Mpox cases since the beginning of 2023, with 149 people testing positive for the virus as of Friday. Between March 10 and April 6, there were 47 confirmed cases, according to the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
The city has been averaging around 36 Mpox cases per month since October, with a peak of 51 confirmed cases in January. Of the 256 confirmed cases from October through April 15, an alarming number of 188 were among people who were either not vaccinated against Mpox or had only received one dose of the vaccine.
In a health advisory, city officials noted that reported case numbers in the city had 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 of the confirmed cases – around 73% – were among individuals who were not vaccinated against Mpox or had only received one dose of the vaccine. Additionally, nearly all (94%) of the cases were among men who have sex with men, although most cases were mild and only ten people required hospitalization.
Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is caused by a virus similar to the one that causes smallpox. The disease has mainly spread through sex and other intimate contact within social networks of gay men, men who have sex with men, and transgender individuals. The health department emphasized the importance of vaccination as a safe measure to prevent Mpox and reduce symptoms for those who have been exposed or are at risk of exposure in the future.
The rise in Mpox cases is concerning as it could indicate that more people are being exposed to the virus without proper protection measures in place. It is crucial for everyone to take necessary precautions such as getting vaccinated against Mpox if they are eligible and practicing safe sex habits to prevent further outbreaks.
The department advises that anyone who may have come into contact with someone infected with Mpox should monitor their health closely for symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, rash on any part of their body except for their palms and soles, sore throat swollen lymph nodes in their neck or groin area
