Mpox Cases Significantly Increase in the USA

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published its External Situation Report #31 regarding the ongoing, multi-country outbreak of mpox.

Based on the data reported on December 22, 2023, the mpox outbreak continues in most WHO regions, while more extensive transmission has been observed in the European Region and the Region of the Americas.

A total of 906 additional mpox cases were reported in November 2023, representing a 26% increase compared to October.

The United States of America (299 vs. 135) reported the most significant increase in the Americas. The states of California, New York, and Texas have reported the most mpox cases.

Around half (52%) of cases with available information in this outbreak are reported to be in persons living with HIV. 

The U.S. CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted on October 25, 2023, to recommend the routine use of the JYNNEOS® vaccine for people at risk of mpox infection.

However, only 23% of the at-risk population has been fully vaccinated nationally as of December 2023.

On December 7, 2023, the CDC published an advisory stating the JYNNEOS is expected to be effective for both Clade I and Clade II MPXV infections. However, real-world data is lacking, reported the European CDC.

According to the CDC, approximately 1.2 million JYNNEOS vaccine doses have been administered in the U.S. since the mpox outbreak began in May 2022.