As people continue to recover from ongoing public health crises, a continuing concern has re-emerged: Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox).
This viral illness, related to smallpox, has primarily affected those in close physical contact with infected individuals. According to Dr. Wafaa El-Sadr, MD, MPH, MPA, a professor of epidemiology and medicine at Columbia University and director of ICAP at Columbia, and Dr. Mathilde Krim, founding chair of the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) and chair of global health epidemiology at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, in an interview with the AmNews, “There are a couple of things that are of concern. Although Mpox is not at the center of the media at this point in time, it never really went away completely in the United States. We’ve had ongoing … small, limited numbers of cases all along.”
(Editor’s note: The authors of this article are affiliated with the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health but do not work with El-Sadr.)
According to the GLAAD, “although it is rarely fatal, Mpox can cause severe pain and permanent scarring … Mpox is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection, and scientists are still investigating whether the virus can be spread via bodily fluids. However, any prolonged, skin-to-skin contact [with] an infected person, including sex, does increase the risk of transmission. In the current outbreak, most cases are associated with sexual contact … Anyone can spread or contract Mpox regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, but the virus is spreading in high numbers among gay men, bisexual men, and other men who have sex with other men.”
According to recent data, the United States has reported more than 4,000 Mpox cases since the outbreak began, with the majority in New York City. While the numbers have stabilized, new cases are still being identified, particularly among high-risk groups.
El-Sadr said that “… now there’s a large outbreak that’s ongoing in several African countries and that’s of great concern for a couple of reasons. We’ve learned from Covid-19 that whatever happens somewhere else in the world, we have to be cognizant that we are part of that world and it inevitably will be at our doorstep … we’ve learned the hard way that we need to worry … the strain of Mpox that’s causing this outbreak in several African countries now appears to be causing a more severe illness than the strain that caused the 2022 outbreak.”
El Sadr added that “there’s substantial concern … because of the travel and connections between people. We need to be prepared and we need to be appropriately ready to respond to a potential surge in the numbers of cases. I do think what’s important is at this point we mobilize [and] remind people that Mpox is still here. We do have a vaccine that works quite well and that people should avail themselves of, as well as to learn and be cognizant of how to protect themselves — be aware of the common symptoms.”
Early recognition of symptoms, such as rashes and flu-like conditions, can lead to timely care and prevent further transmission.
The New York State and NYC Health Departments emphasize the importance of awareness, vaccination, and safe practices to prevent further spread. Stay informed by visiting the New York State Department of Health and the NYC Department of Health websites for updates and resources: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/zoonoses/mpox/.
The JYNNEOS vaccine is available and recommended for those at higher risk. The CDC has a vaccine finder for locating the closest place to obtain the Mpox vaccine.
Mpox resources
How to Protect Yourself and Others from Mpox (PDF)
Cleaning and Disinfection Guidance During Mpox for Homes, Workplaces, Schools, and Other Facilities
Mpox Guidance and Resources for Residential Congregate Settings (PDF)