Health officials warn mpox threat is not over

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June 22nd, 2023

This colorized electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases shows mpox particles, red, found within an infected cell, blue, cultured in a laboratory in Fort Detrick, Md. A study released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday, May 25, 2023, suggests dozens of U.S. cities are at risk for mpox outbreaks this summer. Health officials say they are working to prevent the scale of infections that surprised the nation the previous summer. (NIAID via AP, File)

The health emergency caused by mpox has concluded, but U.S. health authorities are striving to prevent a recurrence of the spike in outbreaks experienced last year.

In the summer of 2022, mpox infections surged following Pride events, resulting in over 30,000 reported cases in the U.S., primarily transmitted through sexual contact among gay and bisexual men. Approximately 40 fatalities occurred.

As Pride events are taking place nationwide this month, health officials and event organizers have expressed optimism that this year will see fewer outbreaks and less severe infections. Factors such as increased vaccine supply, higher immunity rates and improved access to mpox treatment contribute to this optimism.

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