Recent data from the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene indicates a significant increase in Mpox cases in New York City. Since January 1st, a total of 149 individuals in the city have tested positive for the virus, with 47 confirmed cases occurring between March 10th and April 6th.
According to the agency, the city has experienced an average of 36 Mpox cases per month since October, with a peak of 51 confirmed cases in January. Of the 256 cases reported from October through April 15th, 188 were among individuals who were either not vaccinated against Mpox or had only received one dose of the vaccine.
City health officials noted that reported case numbers were relatively low throughout most of 2023, ranging from two to 20 cases per month between January and September. However, there has been a significant increase in cases since October, with a notable proportion of cases occurring among men who have sex with men.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is caused by a virus similar to the one that causes smallpox. The disease mainly spreads through intimate contact among social networks of gay men, men who have sex with men, and transgender people. The health department emphasized the importance of vaccination as a safe method to prevent infection and reduce symptoms associated with Mpox. Individuals who may have been exposed or are at risk of exposure are encouraged to get vaccinated against Mpox.