New York City’s Mpox Cases on the Rise Despite Vaccination Efforts

Since January 1, the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in New York City has reported an increase in Mpox cases with 149 people testing positive for the virus as of Friday. The city has been experiencing an average of 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, 73% were among individuals who were not vaccinated against Mpox or had only received one dose of the vaccine.

Between March 10 and April 6, there were 47 confirmed cases, according to the agency. The health department emphasized that reported case numbers in the city were 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 most cases were mild and only ten people required hospitalization. Additionally, it was stated that Mpox mainly spreads through sex and other intimate contact within social networks of gay men, men who have sex with men, and transgender individuals. Therefore, vaccination is crucial 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.