Cases of Mpox in New York City have been on the rise since October 2023, with a peak of 51 cases in January, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health). Of the 256 cases reported since October, 73% were in individuals who were unvaccinated or had only received one dose, and most cases were mild, with 10 people requiring hospitalization.
The Jynneos vaccine will be transitioning to the commercial market but federally funded supplies will remain available until early summer. Healthcare providers were urged by the health department to continue to encourage and offer vaccines to at-risk groups, especially those with HIV or other immunocompromising conditions, or to refer them to vaccination sites.
While there are no current cases of the clade 1 outbreak strain in the United States, healthcare providers were advised to be vigilant for individuals exhibiting Mpox symptoms with travel history or connections to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where a severe outbreak is currently occurring. The health department cautioned that this strain is more severe than others and can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and dehydration. It’s important for healthcare providers and patients alike to stay informed about any updates on this situation and take necessary precautions.
