A recent increase in mpox diagnoses in Chicago has raised concerns about a potential rise in cases among gay and bisexual men during the upcoming summer months. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an alert on Monday regarding the new diagnoses, and the Chicago Public Health Department reported 20 new cases of mpox since mid-April, with 11 of them being diagnosed at Howard Brown Health, an LGBTQ-focused clinic in the city.
Comparatively, only one mpox case was reported to the city health department from Howard Brown during the previous three months. Public health experts are expressing cautious concern that, similar to other sexually transmitted infections, mpox cases could increase during the summer, particularly as gay and bisexual men travel to Pride festivals and other major LGBTQ events.
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, the deputy coordinator of the White House national mpox response, emphasized the importance of renewed vaccination and prevention efforts to prevent a resurgence of mpox. While the vaccine may not be perfect, it remains a crucial tool in mitigating the severity of the infection. The World Health Organization reported a slight increase in diagnosed cases in several countries, including France and various countries in East Asia, with approximately half of the recent French cases occurring in vaccinated individuals.
Chicago’s weekly mpox case rate is currently at its highest since early November, raising concerns among health officials. Of the recently reported cases in Chicago, 80 percent were in men who have sex with men, highlighting the vulnerability of the LGBTQ community. The Howard Brown clinic is analyzing the new cases to determine if they are part of a linked cluster of infections.
Low vaccination rates among the population at risk are a major concern. The CDC estimates that only 25 percent of those most vulnerable to mpox, including gay and bisexual men and transgender individuals, have been fully vaccinated. Vaccination with the Jynneos vaccine has shown significant efficacy in reducing the risk of mpox disease.
As Chicago prepares to host the International Mr. Leather festival, a popular destination for gay men, at the end of the month, public health authorities are working to promote mpox prevention and awareness. It is crucial to maintain vigilance, provide free vaccination, and ensure that those at substantial risk receive both doses of the Jynneos vaccine to protect themselves and their sexual partners.
While existing immunity from previous infection and vaccination is expected to prevent mpox from spreading at the same level as last year’s outbreak, questions remain about the duration of immunity and whether behavioral patterns among gay men have returned to pre-outbreak levels. Efforts to test, isolate cases, and increase mpox immunity among at-risk groups are essential to keep the number of cases relatively low.
The recent surge in mpox cases in Chicago serves as a call to action rather than a call to panic, according to Dr. Demetre Daskalakis. With the tools available, including vaccination and prevention measures, it is imperative to take proactive steps to control the outbreak and protect the health of the LGBTQ community.
