The New York City Department of Health has warned that community transmission of the mpox virus, formerly known as monkeypox, is on the rise again, prompting health professionals to prepare ahead of a summer when infection rates could be higher. They are calling on people to monitor infected people.
Health officials said in Friday's advisory that there has been a “significant” increase in the number of mpox cases reported in the city since October, although the overall number of cases is low compared to the 2022 outbreak. Ta. The number of monthly cases peaked at 51 in January, averaged 36 per month since the fall, and increased from two to 20 per month in early 2023.
“This, together with the outbreak of the more severe clade I monkeypox virus (MPXV) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, highlights the need for continued vigilance,” the advisory said. The virus can cause a rash that spreads over a patient's body, along with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches.
The health department said most of the recent infections had mild symptoms, but 10 people were hospitalized. Although 94% of cases were men who have sex with men, the majority of cases were black or Hispanic people between the ages of 25 and 44. Three-quarters of patients had not received mpox vaccination or had only received one dose. vaccine.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, there are two types of the virus: Clade I, which is more severe, and Clade II, which is less severe. Although no clade I cases have been reported in the United States, the recent outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo poses a risk of entry into the United States through travel, the Department of Health advisory explains.
According to the CDC, 99.9% of people with clade II survive, while some outbreaks of clade I, which is endemic to central Africa, kill up to 10% of those who get sick. Treatment and vaccination protocols for both types of viruses are similar.
“It is estimated that only one in four people recommended for vaccination in the United States is fully vaccinated,” the health advisory states. “Increasing vaccine intake is essential to prevent infections and severe illness.”
DOH officials encouraged those at potential risk of exposure to mpox to receive two doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine. It also recommended that healthcare providers make testing for the virus easily available, follow national guidance on investigating patients' sexual histories, and share precautions with patients on preventing infection and relieving symptoms. .
