New York City Sees Rise in Mpox Cases: Health Officials Urge Vigilance
New York City’s health department has issued a warning about the surge in local mpox virus cases, previously known as monkeypox, emphasizing the significance of monitoring cases as transmission rates are expected to rise during the summer months. In an advisory published on Friday, health officials highlighted a pronounced upswing in reported mpox cases since October, although the overall number of cases remains relatively low compared to the outbreak experienced in 2022 (source).
Increase in Monthly Cases
In January of this year, monthly mpox cases in New York City peaked at 51, with an average of 36 cases per month since the fall. These figures indicate a significant rise from the two to 20 monthly cases reported earlier in 2023 (source).
The Need for Vigilance
Highlighting the severity of the situation, the advisory underlines the requirement for ongoing vigilance by referring to the large outbreak of the highly severe Clade I monkeypox virus (MPXV) currently occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (source). Symptoms of mpox include a spreading rash on the body, along with flu-like indications such as fever, chills, headache, and muscle soreness.
Demographic Analysis
Out of the recent cases reported, the majority were mild in severity, with only 10 patients requiring hospitalization as stated by the health department. Notably, 94% of mpox cases involved men who have sex with men, with a higher representation of Black or Hispanic individuals in the age range of 25 to 44. Furthermore, 75% of patients were either unvaccinated against mpox or had received only one dose of the vaccine.
Dual Clades of the Mpox Virus
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) classifies two types of the mpox virus: the more severe Clade I and the milder Clade II. Presently, there have been no documented cases of Clade I in the U.S. However, the recent outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo introduces the risk of transmission to the United States through travel, as explained by the health department advisory.
The Gravity of Clade I
While 99.9% of individuals survive Clade II, certain Clade I outbreaks, which are endemic in Central Africa, have claimed the lives of up to 10% of those affected, according to the CDC. It is important to note that treatment and vaccination protocols for both Clades are similar.
Insufficient Vaccination Coverage
The health advisory points to an estimation highlighting that only one in four individuals recommended to receive the vaccine in the U.S. are fully vaccinated. Increasing the adoption of the JYNNEOS vaccine is essential in preventing infections and mitigating severe disease, as stated in the advisory.
Recommendations for the Public and Healthcare Professionals
Health officials strongly urge individuals who may be at risk of mpox exposure to receive two doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine. Additionally, medical practitioners are encouraged to facilitate mpox testing availability for the public, adhere to state guidance concerning patients’ sexual history reviews, and inform patients about measures to prevent transmission and alleviate symptoms.
