Since January 1, 2023, the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in New York City has reported a significant increase in Mpox cases. As of Friday, 149 people have tested positive for the virus, with 47 confirmed cases between March 10 and April 6.
The average number of confirmed cases per month since October has been 36, with a peak of 51 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. Additionally, most cases (94%) were among men who have sex with men, although most cases were mild and only ten people required hospitalization.
Mpox is caused by a virus similar to the one that causes smallpox. The disease mainly spreads through sex and other intimate contact within social networks of gay men, men who have sex with men, and transgender individuals. Therefore, it’s crucial to emphasize 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.
City officials also noted that reported case numbers in the city were low for most of 2023 but have since increased significantly since October. The advisory revealed that there was an average of 36 confirmed cases per month during this period. However, there has been a considerable increase in recent months compared to earlier months.
In conclusion, while Mpox is still considered rare outside its endemic areas in Africa and parts of Asia, it’s essential to take precautions to prevent its spread. It’s crucial to get vaccinated against Mpox if you are at risk or have been exposed to it beforehand. If you suspect you may have come into contact with someone who has contracted Mpox or is exhibiting symptoms related to the disease, seek medical attention immediately.
It’s also vital to practice safe sex habits and avoid close contact with individuals who may be contagious with the virus. Lastly, hand hygiene practices such as washing your hands frequently can help prevent transmission through touch surfaces.
With these measures taken into consideration and more awareness about Mpox being spread through intimate contact within social networks of certain populations being promoted regularly nowadays; we can hope for a decrease in new cases soon enough.