The number of cases of MPOX, formerly known as monkeypox, is on the rise here in the United States, with nearly double the number of cases compared to the same time last year, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. .
Although the scale of the outbreak experienced in 2022, when the number of infected people in the country exceeded 32,000, has largely ended, experts say some high-risk groups still need to take precautions.
“Most of the cases we are reporting are unvaccinated or undervaccinated, meaning they have either never received the vaccine or have only received one dose. ,” said Dr. Jenny McQuiston, CDC’s deputy director for critical pathogens and pathology. the station told ABC News.
The Jynneos vaccine is a two-dose vaccine and is recommended for people who have been in contact with someone infected with mpox and who have had a sexual partner infected in the past two weeks. There are currently no booster recommendations. Locations offering free vaccines can be found at: CDC websitee.
Also, men who identify as gay or bisexual, or who have had sex with another man who has had multiple sexual partners or been diagnosed with multiple sexually transmitted infections in the past six months. Eligible for vaccination. People with immunocompromised conditions such as those with HIV are also eligible.
“Current guidance aims to limit this increase by targeting vaccination efforts to high-risk groups and individuals who may be exposed to M.P.O.X. “This underscores the importance of action,” said Dr. John Brownstein, Boston’s chief innovation officer. Children’s Hospital and his ABC News contributor.
Although the mpox virus started spreading not only among gay and bisexual men in the initial outbreak, but also among certain other groups, experts say the virus does not discriminate. It extends between any two people.
Like many vaccines, this vaccine primarily works to protect against serious illness, but it does not guarantee that you will avoid infection. It usually takes about two weeks after the second dose for full protection to be achieved.
“Vaccines do not always prevent disease 100% and ultimately reduce the severity of the disease. Therefore, it is not unexpected to see people getting mpox after vaccination. However, in this outbreak, we have confirmed that the majority of mpox patients are not as severely ill,” said Richard Silvera, associate program director of the infectious disease fellowship and assistant professor of medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. he told ABC News.
The vaccine is usually given in two doses 28 days apart. Experts say people who have only received one shot should get the second shot, regardless of when they received the first, to maximize protection.
“You are not considered fully vaccinated until you have received at least two doses. There is no need to start over or repeat. All you need to do is get your second dose,” McQuiston said.
“No matter how much time has passed, we recommend that you get your second dose first.” [since your first dose]added McQuiston.
People who have previously received both vaccinations are considered fully vaccinated. Public health officials are continuing to investigate whether additional doses may be needed in the future to provide greater protection.
“We have some long-term efficacy studies underway and planned in the coming months. But at this point, the vaccine is not recommended in light of the potential risk of M.P.O.X. “Only one in four people in the United States have been infected and are fully vaccinated,” McQuiston said.
Early studies show that antibodies from vaccination decline a year after vaccination, according to preliminary data presented at the European Conference on Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases in late April. Scientists studied about 100 people and found more than 40% had a detectable decrease in antibodies a year after vaccination.
McQuiston said there are no concerns about vaccine supply at this time. Dr. Silvera says they are helping people catch up on vaccinations by offering first or second doses.
New York City is currently dealing with three times as many cases as it did during the same period last year. A spokesperson for the New York City Department of Health said the city has not experienced any vaccine supply issues.
In December, the CDC issued a warning to health care workers to be wary of travelers to the United States because a more deadly type of mpox virus is circulating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. So far, there have been no cases of that type of virus in the United States.
“We are closely monitoring what is happening in the Democratic Republic of the Congo…and we are preparing as best we can here in the United States,” McQuiston said.
Experts say there are ways to protect yourself from infection other than vaccination.
“These routine precautions are like the basics of dealing with public health outbreaks. So it’s really important to communicate with your partner and let them know how their health is and if they’ve been exposed to an infectious disease. Just ask if you have any concerns.” Silvera added.
“Try to avoid physical contact with anyone who may have been recently exposed or who may have had lesions at the time. Also, if you have lesions, it is worth seeking treatment for your illness. “There are drugs that can shorten the duration of the disease,” Silvera added.
An antiviral drug known as TPOXX is available to help treat more severe cases of mpox and can be used by people who are more likely to become seriously ill, such as those who are immunocompromised.
“The rising number of cases is a stark reminder of the presence of the virus and the continued need for vigilance and precautions,” Brownstein said.
