Since October 2023, cases of Mpox in New York City have been steadily increasing, with a peak of 51 cases in January. According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health), most cases were mild, with only 10 people requiring hospitalization. However, the number of cases has risen significantly since an average of 2 to 20 cases per month earlier in the year to an average of 36 per month.
The majority of the cases involved men who have sex with men, primarily among Black and Hispanic men aged 25 to 44. Of the 256 cases reported since October, an alarming 73% were in individuals who were unvaccinated or had only received one dose. The NYC Health is urging healthcare providers to continue encouraging and offering vaccines to at-risk groups, especially those with HIV or other immunocompromising conditions.
Healthcare providers must be vigilant for individuals exhibiting Mpox symptoms with travel history or connections to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Jynneos vaccine will be transitioning to the commercial market soon, but federally funded supplies will remain available until early summer. It is crucial that healthcare providers provide accurate information about Mpox and its prevention measures to their patients.
