Federal health officials are warning of a “resurgence” of mpox cases in the coming months following a nine-month nationwide decline.
“The spring and summer of 2023 could lead to a resurgence of mpox as people gather for holidays and other events,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. He said at a Monday warning. For health care professionals.
There are cases of the virus that was previously called monkey disease He stayed low Since their peak last August – when 646 cases were reported in one day – in the US. However, one cluster was recently reported in the Chicago area, the CDC said.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
In the last 18 days, the city’s health department has seen 12 confirmed cases and one victim of the virus. All cases from April 17 to May 5 were among symptomatic men – 69% of whom had received both doses of the two-dose Jynneos mpox vaccine.
The CDC says it doesn’t know why such high numbers of vaccinated people are infected. It also doesn’t know whether post-vaccination immunity has waned among those individuals or whether the virus has mutated. The agency said it is conducting studies to determine how long immunity lasts after vaccination.
Although no vaccine is 100% effective in preventing infection, it can reduce the chances of catching and spreading the virus and ease the symptoms. CDC said..
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Dr. Jay Varma, director of the Center for Epidemic Prevention and Response at Weill Cornell Medicine He told CNN. Although there is a “very real risk” in the next few months, it may not be as big as last year.
“This is because many people at risk have been infected or vaccinated,” Varma said.
The vaccination rate is still very low, but only by An estimated 23% of the population is at risk of mpox. According to the CDC, they are fully vaccinated.
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Individuals recommended for vaccination are at increased risk of exposure to mpox. This includes men who have sex with multiple male partners or who have sex with a male partner who has had multiple recent sex partners.
Mpox is most commonly spread through close, sustained physical contact, and almost all of the current global epidemics are sexually transmitted.
of Signs It includes a rash on the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth or genitals. This may initially look like a pimple or blister and may be painful or itchy. Those infected may also experience flu-like symptoms – fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes and muscle aches.