CDC reports on potential risk for new mpox cases 05.23.2023

May 23, 2023

CDC reports on potential risk for new mpox cases

MOBILE, Ala. — In the United States, cases of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) have declined since peaking in August 2022, but the outbreak is not over. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to receive reports of cases that reflect ongoing community transmission in the United States and internationally.

Last week, the CDC and local partners were investigating a cluster of mpox cases in the Chicago area. From April 17 to May 5, 2023, a total of 12 confirmed and one probable case of mpox were reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health. All cases were among symptomatic men. None of the patients have been hospitalized.

“Although vaccine-induced immunity is not complete, vaccination continues to be one of the most important prevention measures,” said Dr. Kevin Philip Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “Warmer weather and skin to skin contact increases the risk for mpox infection.” CDC expects new cases among previously vaccinated people to occur, but people who have completed their two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine series may experience less severe symptoms than those who have not.

Although approximately 1.2 million JYNNEOS mpox vaccine doses have been administered in the United States since the beginning of the outbreak, only 23 percent of the estimated population at risk for mpox has been fully vaccinated, reported from CDC sources. To help prevent a renewed outbreak during the spring and summer months, CDC urges clinicians to be on alert for new mpox cases and encourage vaccination for people at risk.

Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program patients wanting the vaccine should make an appointment at 251-690-8889. Other individuals interested in receiving the vaccine may register through the Mobile County Health Department’s Bureau of Disease Surveillance and Control at this link — https://redcap.link/MPXmchd.

Spring and summer seasons in 2023 could lead to a resurgence of mpox as people gather for festivals and other events. As a result, the CDC sent out a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Update to inform clinicians and public health agencies about the potential for new clusters or outbreaks of mpox cases and to provide resources on clinical evaluation, treatment, vaccination, and testing.