The Chicago Public Health Department reported that the city has seen an uptick of mpox cases since mid-April. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an alert regarding the rising mpox diagnoses, with the Chicago Public Health Department reporting 20 new cases since mid-April. Howard Brown Health, an LGBTQ-focused clinic in Chicago, diagnosed 11 of these cases. The previous three months had only seen one mpox case reported to the city health department.
In light of a declining number of mpox cases since the virus’ peak in August of last year, the World Health Organization declared an end to the mpox global health emergency. The virus continues to be an issue on many communities, including Chicago. Public health experts express their concern that mpox cases could rise during the summer, especially as gay and bisexual men travel to Pride festivals and other major LGBTQIA events in June. Pride parties and other summer gatherings could potentially lead to a rise in viral circulation and infections.
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, the deputy coordinator of the White House national mpox response, emphasized the importance of vaccination and prevention efforts to prevent a resurgence of mpox. The CDC estimates that only 1 in 4 individuals, including gay and bisexual men and transgender people, have been fully vaccinated. Health officials stress the importance of receiving both doses of the Jynneos vaccine for individuals at substantial risk of mpox. Vaccination plays a critical role in protecting not only themselves but also their sexual partners. The Jynneos vaccine has shown promising effectiveness, with two doses reducing the risk of mpox disease by 69%, and one dose being 37% effective.
Mpox typically manifests as a rash and lesions, accompanied by symptoms such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle aches, headache, and sore throat. It is important to note that mpox can spread both before symptoms appear and from individuals who never develop symptoms, making it challenging to contain the virus.
While it is believed that existing immunity from previous infection and vaccination will likely prevent mpox from spreading at the same level as last year, uncertainties regarding the duration of immunity remain.
Join the YMH Registry: Mpox Study to learn more about our efforts against mpox.
Sources:
Cluster of mpox cases in Chicago trigger concern about possible summer spread. (n.d.). NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/health/mens-health/rise-mpox-cases-chicago-raises-concern-possible-summer-spread-rcna83315