Multi-country Mpox Outbreak Continues

The World Health Organization (WHO) today published its External Situation Report #24 regarding the multi-country outbreak of mpox. In the last two weeks, there have been around 275 new mpox cases each week.

The mpox vaccination status of these individuals was not disclosed.

As of June 10, 2023, the WHO confirmed the updated epidemic curves suggest that the mpox outbreak that began in May 2022 continues with low levels of transmission in the European and Americas Regions, have slightly decreased in the Western Pacific, and increased cases in South-East Asia.

In the African Region, where mpox transmission is more continuous, an increase in the number of cases for the most recent weeks was observed. 

Other key epidemiological findings include, but are not limited to, the following:

As of early June 2023, 96.2% of mpox cases with available data are men, with a median age of 34.

Among cases with information available, 84.1% have self-identified as gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.

Of all reported modes of transmission since the start of the outbreak, skin and mucosal contact during sex has been the most reported (82%).

And cases where at least one symptom is reported, the most common symptom is any rash, reported in 80.6% of cases, followed by fever and systemic rash or genital rash.

The WHO wrote it is essential to note that mpox can affect anyone, and getting vaccinated (JYNNEOS®, MVA-BN), monitoring for symptoms, testing if you think you have mpox and openly discussing mpox with sexual partners are vital strategies to minimize risk.