Mpox cases remain elevated in New York City as officials renew vaccination push
November 18, 2025
Mpox remains a concern in New York City, where October saw 63 confirmed cases, the highest monthly count this year. Health officials report that most infections are among individuals who are unvaccinated or have not completed the two-dose JYNNEOS series. Experts emphasize that vaccination greatly reduces disease severity, even in breakthrough cases. Despite rising numbers, there is no evidence of a new, more dangerous strain circulating in the state. Public health advocates stress vigilance and vaccination rather than alarm. Continuing vaccination and awareness efforts remain the city’s best defense to prevent another major outbreak like the one in 2022.
New York City continues to report elevated mpox activity, with October marking the highest monthly case count of 2025. Sixty-three new cases were recorded across all five boroughs, surpassing September’s 61 cases. The uptick mirrors the seasonal pattern seen in 2024, when infections began increasing in spring and remained elevated through summer and fall. According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Manhattan accounted for 44% of October’s cases, followed by Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.
Most of the infections occurred among men, though five transgender, non-binary, or gender non-conforming individuals were also affected. Health experts, including Amanda Cary of Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, note that many of those infected report multiple sexual partners, though no single event or travel pattern appears to be driving the surge. The majority of recent cases have involved individuals who are either unvaccinated or have not completed the two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine series.
While the mpox vaccine is not foolproof, it significantly reduces disease severity. Cary reported several breakthrough cases that were notably mild, demonstrating the vaccine’s protective benefit even in those who become infected. She and other public health officials continue to urge New Yorkers to complete their vaccine series, emphasizing that a second dose remains beneficial even if months or years have passed since the first shot.
Although the more virulent clade I strain detected on the West Coast has not appeared in New York, experts stress continued vigilance. Cary advises against panic but encourages consistent prevention measures, including vaccination and open communication about health risks. “There’s no reason to be alarmed,” she said. “But mpox is still here, and we have the tools to prevent suffering. Let’s keep using them.”