Monkeypox Cases Rising Silently In United States. 664 Cases In First Three Months Of 2024! New York, California, Illinois, New Jersey Leads Caseloads
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand MedicalNews Team Apr 11, 2024 2 weeks, 4 days, 6 hours, 20 minutes ago
Monkeypox News: While the global attention remains focused on the significant monkeypox (mpox) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the United States is silently witnessing a resurgence of this sexually transmitted disease. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a staggering 664 mpox cases in the first three months of 2024 alone, marking a substantial increase compared to the 307 cases reported during the same period in 2023. Strangely, most mainstream media in the United States are not reporting about this worrisome rise in monkeypox infections.
Monkeypox Cases Rising Silently In United States.
664 Cases In First Three Months Of 2024
Regional Trends and Hotspots
Among the states, New York, California, Illinois, New Jersey and Florida are at the forefront, with New York reporting 142 cases, followed by California with 67 cases, Illinois with 64 cases, New Jersey with 52 cases and Florida with 52 cases. However, the Middle Atlantic region comprising New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania stands out with the highest number of cases, totaling 220 in this region alone.
https://wonder.cdc.gov/nndss/static/2024/13/2024-13-table968.html?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Experts warn however that the actual caseloads could be much higher as many infected are not coming forward to get tested or treated but rather are self-medicating for fear of being ostracized by society.
Response and Detection Measures
In response to the escalating cases, LabCorp recently announced the FDA's Emergency Use Authorization for its Mpox PCR Test Home Collection Kit, aiming to enhance detection capabilities and early diagnosis of mpox infections.
https://www.labcorp.com/labcorp-receives-fda-emergency-use-authorization-mpox-pcr-test-home-collection-kit
This move is crucial in curbing the spread of the disease by identifying and isolating infected individuals promptly.
Vaccination Efforts and Access
To combat the rising threat, Bavarian Nordic, the manufacturer of the FDA-approved JYNNEOS vaccine, has ramped up efforts to increase access to the vaccine. The vaccine has now become more readily available in clinics, retail pharmacies, and major pharmacy chains across the U.S., including partnerships with Walgreens and other prominent retailers. This strategic approach aims to ensure that individuals residing in mpox hotspots have convenient access to vaccination services, ultimately bolstering the nation's defense against the virus. Efforts are also underway to disseminate
Monkeypox News coverages detailing where those that are at a high risk for monkeypox can go get vaccinated.
Vaccine Uptake and Effectiveness
The CDC's Emerging Infectious Diseases Volume 30, Number 5, May 2024 edition revealed encouraging statistics regarding vaccine uptake among eligible populations. In the United Kingdom, vaccine uptake among eligible individuals reached 69%, with a significant increase to 92% among those offered the JYNNEOS vaccine. These figures underscore the importance of vaccination in mitigating the spread of mpox and protecting individuals from severe illness, hospitalization, and mortality associated with the disease.
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/30/5/23-0676_article
Distinct Characteristics of the DRC Outbreak
It's crucial to note that the current mpox outbreak in the DRC differs from the strain circulating in the United States. The Clade I strain prevalent in the DRC exhibits higher severity, with a mortality rate of approximately 7% among infected individuals. Moreover, children under 15 years old constitute a significant portion of cases in the DRC, highlighting the vulnerability of this age group to mpox infections.
Risk Assessment and Protective Measures
Despite the rising cases in the U.S., the CDC emphasizes that no Clade I cases have been reported in the country to date. This distinction reduces the risk to the general public, particularly for individuals who have previously contracted mpox or received the full two-dose regimen of the JYNNEOS vaccine. Additionally, casual contact, such as travel to African regions, is unlikely to result in disease transmission, further reassuring the public about the containment of Clade I mpox strains within the DRC.
Historical Context and Current Trends
Reflecting on historical data, mpox infections surged in the U.S. in 2022, primarily affecting social networks of men who have sex with men. The outbreak led to over 32,000 reported cases and 58 deaths in the country. Subsequent containment efforts, including widespread vaccination campaigns leveraging JYNNEOS, helped reduce cases and averted a summer resurgence in 2023.
However, the persistent presence of mpox underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent further outbreaks.
Symptoms, Transmission, and Vaccine Eligibility
Mpox presents flu-like symptoms and a distinctive painful rash, primarily spreading through skin-to-skin contact. Transmission can also occur through contaminated clothing and bedding. Eligibility for the JYNNEOS vaccine extends to high-risk individuals, including those with multiple sexual partners, previous sexually transmitted diseases, HIV-positive status, or compromised immune systems. The vaccine's two-dose regimen offers robust protection against mpox infections, with no current recommendations for annual booster shots.
Conclusion
The resurgence of mpox cases in the United States underscores the persistent threat posed by infectious diseases and the critical role of vaccination in public health interventions. Collaborative efforts between healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory agencies are instrumental in enhancing detection, access to vaccines, and ultimately curbing the spread of mpox. As the nation continues to navigate the challenges posed by infectious diseases, prioritizing preventive measures and vaccination remains paramount in safeguarding public health and well-being.
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