Chicago's Mpox Outbreak Reaches 46 Cases

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) reconfirmed on June 27, 2023, it is investigating a recent increase in mpox cases among Chicago residents. 

Between June 4 and June 22, 2023, there were six additional mpox cases reported.

The CDPH's dashboard indicates over the past three months, there have been 46 mpox cases and three related hospitalizations. And Chicago did not disclose the number of vaccine-breakthrough cases reported.

From a prevention perspective, 146 people were vaccinated in Chicago last week with the JYNNEOS® (MVA-BN) vaccine.

Since May 2022, 49,351 doses have been administered. 

Chicagions with mpox questions can contact the HIV/STI Resource Hub at 844-482-4040  or the CDPH Call Center at 312-746-4835.

Throughout Illinois, including CDPH's data, 1,488 mpox cases have been reported during the global outbreak.

As of June 28, 2023, the U.S. CDC reported 30,531 mpox cases and 43 related fatalities since May 2022.

While Bavarian Nordic's vaccine has been the primary mpox vaccine offered in the U.S., a Cincinnati-based firm Blue Water Biotech, Inc., announced on June 28, 2023, preliminary preclinical data supporting the use of its norovirus shell and protrusion virus-like particle platform to develop a novel mpox vaccine candidate.