The New York City Health Department warns of another increase in local cases of mpox virus, formerly known as monkeypox, and urges health professionals to monitor cases before summer , where higher transmission could occur.
Health officials said in an advisory Friday that a “substantial” increase in reported cases of mpox has occurred in the city since October, although the overall number of cases is small compared to a 2022 outbreak. Monthly cases peaked at 51 last January. and an average of 36 per month since the fall – compared to 2 to 20 monthly cases earlier in 2023.
“This, along with the large outbreak of the more serious monkeypox virus Clade I (MPXV) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, highlights the need for continued vigilance,” the advisory said. The virus can cause a rash that spreads throughout the patient’s body, as well as flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, headache and muscle aches.
Most recent cases have been mild, although 10 people have been hospitalized, according to the Health Ministry. Men who have sex with men accounted for 94% of cases, while the majority of cases involved black or Hispanic people aged 25 to 44. Three-quarters of patients were not vaccinated against mpox or had only received a single dose of mpox. the vaccine.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says there are two types of virus: a more serious Clade I and a less serious Clade II. No cases of Clade I have been reported in the United States, but the recent outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo poses a risk of introduction into the states via travel, the Department of Health advisory explains.
While 99.9% of people survive Clade II, some outbreaks of Clade I, endemic to central Africa, have killed up to 10% of people who become ill, according to the CDC. Treatment and vaccination protocols for both types of viruses are similar.
“It is estimated that only one in four people recommended to receive the vaccine in the United States are fully vaccinated,” the health advisory said. “Increasing vaccination rates is essential to preventing infections and serious illnesses. »
DOH officials encouraged individuals at potential risk of exposure to mpox to receive two doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine. They also recommended that health care providers make testing for the virus readily available, follow state guidelines on examining patients’ sexual histories, and share with them precautions to prevent infection. transmission and alleviate symptoms.
News Source : gothamist.com
Gn Health
