Monkeypox cases have seen a significant spike in New York City, with the Big Apple now averaging dozens of cases per month, according to a warning issued by the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Since October, there has been a surge in the number of cases, reaching a high of 51 cases in January.
From October to April 15, a total of 256 cases were reported, with an average of 36 cases per month during this period. This marks a substantial increase from the range of two to 20 cases per month that was observed for most of 2023, as highlighted in a recent health advisory by the agency.
Most of the reported cases were mild, with only 10 individuals requiring hospitalization. The demographic most affected by the illness were Black or Hispanic individuals aged between 25 to 44, particularly men who have sex with men.
It was noted that 73% of those infected had either not been vaccinated against monkeypox or had only received one dose of the vaccine. Monkeypox is primarily transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact and exchange of bodily fluids with infected individuals. The virus typically manifests as a rash on various parts of the body and can also be transmitted from animals to humans.
Despite the rise in cases in NYC, the current numbers are lower than the global outbreak in 2022, which prompted the US to declare a health emergency. During that outbreak, over 31,000 cases of monkeypox were diagnosed in the US, resulting in 55 deaths.
While there have been no reported cases of the more lethal Clade I subtype of the virus in the US, a recent outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo poses a potential risk of introduction into the US through travel, as highlighted in the city’s advisory.
On a global scale, the World Health Organization reported a total of 95,226 laboratory-confirmed cases of monkeypox, including 185 deaths, between January 1, 2022, and March 31, 2024.
As the city continues to monitor the situation closely, it is essential for individuals to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of monkeypox. Stay informed and prioritize your health and safety during this time of heightened awareness.
