On May 31, 2023, the CDC released their final Mpox (formerly monkeypox) weekly report leading into June Pride month. The report offered promising news for those looking forward to joining in all the Pride festivities this month as it confirmed that cases remain low, with just a handful of reported cases primarily in the Chicago area.
However, health and government officials are still urging people at risk to get vaccinated.
And who is in that group? Since last year's outbreak, men who have sex with men were viewed as the most at risk, especially since most cases have arisen among these citizens.
A small cluster of cases developed in Chicago during late April and early May. Since then, both the CDC and White House officials have confirmed that while they remain cautious and they continue to monitor the situation, they are hopeful that we will return to no or few cases being reported, as was the status for a few weeks running before the Chicago cluster.
This good news could not come at a better time as we enter the annual Pride Month, warm weather gatherings, and busy summer travel to many gay destinations which leads to increased contact which could translate into further outbreaks. Thankfully numbers continue to remain low.
For more information on where to find vaccines, treatment, and pain relief for Mpox please contact your primary care doctor or local health department.
