2 mpox cases confirmed in Worcester as Mass. health officials warn of ‘concerning’ uptick
December 4, 2025
The resurgence of mpox cases in Massachusetts, including two recent infections among homeless women in Worcester, highlights the persistent risks of viral transmission in vulnerable populations. Despite widespread vaccination campaigns, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reports a concerning rise in cases since August, signaling potential gaps in prevention and surveillance. Worcester’s response—partnering with shelters and community organizations to host vaccination clinics—is a vital step toward protecting high-risk groups. However, the outbreak underscores the need for broader outreach, continued vaccination, and stigma-free public health education to prevent mpox from gaining traction among marginalized communities already facing systemic barriers to care.
Massachusetts is witnessing a troubling uptick in mpox cases, with Worcester emerging as a focal point after two women—both experiencing homelessness and engaged in sex work—were diagnosed this fall. The state’s Department of Public Health confirmed 51 cases in 2025, 37 of which occurred between August and December, prompting a renewed clinical advisory. While the numbers remain lower than during the 2022 global outbreak, the recent surge signals that transmission continues quietly within at-risk populations.
Dr. Michael P. Hirsh, Worcester’s medical director, expressed concern about the city’s homeless community, where overlapping vulnerabilities such as unstable housing, limited access to healthcare, and social stigma compound infection risks. In response, the City of Worcester has partnered with shelters and community organizations to host three vaccination clinics. UMass Memorial Health and the Department of Public Health are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing education and prevention through targeted outreach.
Mpox, a contagious viral infection related to smallpox, spreads primarily through close, skin-to-skin contact. Symptoms include fever, body aches, and distinctive rashes that can be painful and prolonged. While vaccination has proven to reduce disease severity, the majority of recent cases have occurred in unvaccinated individuals. Men who have sex with men and those with multiple sexual partners remain at the highest risk, though infections among women and other populations signal the need for a broader prevention framework.
The recent cases in Worcester illustrate that mpox remains a public health threat, particularly for marginalized communities. Combating it requires sustained vaccination campaigns, accessible healthcare, and community trust. The Worcester response offers a model for integrating public health interventions with social services. However, vigilance is key—unreported cases and silent transmission threaten to undermine progress unless prevention remains proactive, inclusive, and rooted in equity.