Mpox infections climb again in Chicago area, health officials say
November 7, 2025
Mpox cases are rising again in Chicago, with 13 new infections reported in a single week and Latino and gay or bisexual men most affected. Health officials warn that waning public attention could allow the virus to spread further. While the overall risk remains low, Clade I mpox detected in California highlights the threat of stronger strains emerging locally. Vaccination remains the most effective defense, yet many have not completed the two-dose series. Free vaccine clinics across Chicago provide easy access. Continued vigilance, community outreach, and equitable healthcare access are essential to preventing mpox from regaining a foothold in the city.
Mpox, once a headline-grabbing public health concern, is reemerging in Chicago with a steady rise in cases among specific populations. The Chicago Department of Public Health reported 13 new infections in one week and 133 total cases since June. The virus, which spreads through close or skin-to-skin contact, continues to disproportionately impact gay and bisexual men, particularly Latino and Hispanic residents. In suburban Cook County, men account for nearly all cases, with a third occurring among Latino individuals, underscoring persistent inequities in healthcare access and awareness.
Despite the lull in national attention, mpox has not disappeared. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports more than 35,000 confirmed U.S. cases since 2022. Most infections remain linked to close physical contact, though anyone can contract the virus. The detection of Clade I mpox in California, a more virulent strain responsible for severe illness in several hospitalized patients, has heightened concern about domestic transmission. None of the recent California cases involved international travel, suggesting local community spread.
Health officials emphasize that vaccination remains the best protection. The CDC recommends two doses of the mpox vaccine for full efficacy, and Chicago has expanded access through community-based clinics and outreach events at venues such as Steamworks in Lake View and Touche Bar in Rogers Park. Vaccines are also available at city sexual health clinics in Roseland, Austin, and Lake View.
Advocates stress that complacency is dangerous. “It may not be front-page news, but it hasn’t disappeared,” said Scott Bertani of the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health. As mpox persists, proactive engagement, education, and equitable vaccination remain vital to containing the virus. Chicago’s experience serves as a reminder that sustained public health vigilance and culturally informed outreach can make the difference between containment and resurgence.