Mecklenburg County sees mpox surge as officials push vaccinations
November 21, 2025
The recent rise in mpox cases in Mecklenburg County is a reminder that vigilance remains essential even when overall risk is low. Seven new cases in November mark the highest monthly total in over a year, reflecting similar trends across other U.S. cities. Health officials are urging vaccination, emphasizing its protection against both Clade I and II strains and its role in preventing severe illness. As the county offers accessible vaccination clinics and walk-in services, community awareness and early prevention remain the strongest defenses. Continued public engagement and proactive health measures will help prevent small flare-ups from becoming larger threats.
After months of declining numbers, Mecklenburg County is seeing a notable resurgence of mpox, with seven cases confirmed in November compared to three in October. This represents the highest monthly case count in more than a year and mirrors rising trends seen in other major U.S. cities. While health officials stress that the overall community risk remains very low, the recent increase underscores the importance of continued vigilance and prevention.
Public Health Director Dr. Raynard Washington has reiterated the county’s commitment to early intervention, emphasizing that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent infection and reduce disease severity. The mpox vaccine provides protection against both Clade I and Clade II strains, including the more severe variant currently spreading in parts of Africa and Europe. Vaccinated individuals who do become infected are less likely to experience serious complications, reinforcing the vaccine’s value for those at higher risk.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, spreads mainly through close, skin-to-skin contact and can cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, and distinctive lesions or sores. Although the disease can be painful, it is preventable through vaccination and awareness. The county’s health department continues to offer vaccinations at multiple clinic locations, available by appointment or walk-in, and encourages high-risk groups—particularly individuals with frequent intimate contact or those living in social networks where mpox has circulated—to get vaccinated.
The Mecklenburg County outbreak serves as a timely reminder that declining infection rates do not mean eradication. Community health depends on consistent public engagement, equitable access to vaccines, and open communication between health authorities and residents. Sustained prevention, not complacency, will ensure that mpox remains a manageable threat rather than a recurring public health emergency.