MPOX TRACKER

Mpox cases in New York City are climbing again, reflecting a seasonal trend that has surfaced in recent years. Between Aug. 10 and Sept. 11, the city reported 57 new infections, the highest monthly figure this year. The week ending Sept. 6 recorded 16 cases, a new weekly high. Though far lower than the devastating 2022 outbreak that saw nearly 4,000 cases across the five boroughs, this year’s 226 confirmed cases signal that mpox remains entrenched.

The pattern echoes 2024, when a late-spring rise in cases carried into the summer. This year, cases began to tick up in April, with steady increases through the summer months. While officials emphasize that the uptick is seasonal, they also caution that transmission continues mainly through sexual contact in interconnected networks of gay men, men who have sex with men, and transgender individuals.

Prevention remains the most effective response. The two-dose mpox vaccine has proven highly protective, yet vaccination gaps persist. During last year’s surge, three-quarters of those infected had received no vaccine or only a single dose. Access challenges remain since the vaccine entered the commercial market in 2024, but city officials stress that many providers still offer no-cost or sliding-scale options. The NYC Health Map website provides information on where and how to obtain vaccines.

City health authorities continue contact tracing and surveillance, while urging anyone with unexpected rashes or lesions to seek immediate medical care. The reminder is clear: mpox has not disappeared, and its resurgence underscores the importance of vigilance, vaccination, and community health awareness. With consistent public engagement and proactive prevention, New York can avoid a repeat of 2022’s crisis while protecting those most at risk.