Mpox infections in King County lead officials to again urge vaccination
November 15, 2025
The rise in mpox cases in King County this September serves as a timely reminder that the virus has not disappeared. With 46 new infections reported—the highest in three years—health officials urge continued vigilance and vaccination. While the general public remains at low risk, summer gatherings and intimate contact likely fueled the spike. Free vaccines are widely available at local clinics and pharmacies and remain the best protection against severe illness. As health authorities monitor signs of the more virulent clade I strain nearby, community awareness, vaccination, and safer behavior are essential to prevent future outbreaks and sustain local progress.
King County’s recent uptick in mpox cases underscores that vigilance remains critical even as national attention shifts elsewhere. The county recorded 46 infections in September, the highest count in three years, signaling renewed transmission among sexual and social networks, particularly among men who have sex with men and gender-diverse people. Though the risk to the wider public is low, public health officials warn that seasonal spikes tied to summer gatherings continue to drive new infections.
Dr. Tim Menza of Public Health—Seattle & King County emphasized that this is not a cause for panic but rather a reminder to stay informed and proactive. The mpox vaccine, given in two doses 28 days apart, offers strong protection, significantly reducing the risk of severe disease. Free vaccinations are available at the county’s sexual health clinic at Harborview Medical Center and through multiple community pharmacies. For those already vaccinated, breakthrough infections tend to be mild.
Beyond vaccination, public health officials are urging temporary adjustments in behavior, such as reducing the number of sexual partners, avoiding close-contact venues, and maintaining open communication about symptoms and risks. Clade II mpox, the type circulating in King County, rarely causes death and typically resolves in two to four weeks, but the emergence of Clade I in California and its detection in Washington wastewater highlight the need for continued preparedness.
King County’s response reflects an approach rooted in equity, prevention, and community engagement. Sustaining these efforts is vital, especially as global surveillance identifies new variants and patterns of spread. Vaccination, early testing, and behavioral awareness remain the most effective defenses. This latest surge is not a crisis but a clear reminder: mpox remains part of the public health landscape, and collective responsibility remains key to keeping it contained.