New York State Department of Health Urges New Yorkers to Remain Vigilant As Mpox Variant Clade I Circulates In Central Africa
World Health Organization (WHO) Declares Mpox a Global Health Emergency
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Issued a Nationwide Health Alert Detailing Mpox Clade I Concerns
Mpox Continues to Remain a Concern in New York State Despite Low Numbers
Two Dose JYNNEOS Vaccine Remains Effective in Providing Immunity
ALBANY, N.Y. (August 15, 2024) – The New York State Department of Health is urging New Yorkers to remain vigilant and protect themselves from mpox after the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday, August 14, declared the mpox outbreak in central Africa a global health emergency. An mpox variant known as clade I has surged in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and is now being reported in several neighboring countries. At this time, there are no known clade I cases anywhere in the U.S.
"We remain vigilant and are closely monitoring the spread of the clade I mpox variant that is currently circulating in countries in Africa—and while there are currently no known cases of this variant in the U.S., we are taking proactive measures now to encourage those at risk to get fully vaccinated, which means two doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Health care providers should be vigilant and ask about travel when presented with patients who might have contracted mpox. While mpox cases remain low in New York State and we have not yet seen a case of this mpox variant circulating here, I want everyone to take measures to protect themselves."
In addition to the WHO global health emergency declaration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also issued a nationwide Health Alert Notification detailing its concerns and issuing recommendations for clade I screening, diagnoses and management.
In 2022, the nation and New York State saw the largest outbreak of a related and less virulent mpox variant known as clade II. Compared to mpox clade II, the clade I (the variant circulating parts of Africa) has demonstrated higher rates of transmissibility and severity. There have been no mpox clade I variant cases diagnosed in the U.S. However, with increasing transmission linked to DRC cases in neighboring countries, there is concern that cases may arrive in the U.S. related to travel.
The State Department of Health is encouraging everyone to remain vigilant and take measures to prevent transmission of mpox. The two dose JYNNEOS vaccine is effective in providing immunity to both clade I and II mpox variants.
The State Department of Health is currently running an mpox vaccine public health campaign for communities currently disproportionately affected by mpox to encourage New Yorkers to start or complete their vaccine series. At this time, boosters are not being recommended by the CDC for those who are fully vaccinated.
There are ample doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine, which is now available commercially. The vaccine can reduce the severity of symptoms including pain from the skin lesions and hospitalization in individuals who get either variant of mpox. Further, vaccination within few days after exposure to mpox provides adequate protection against mpox.
Health care providers should be alert to any case that presents with fever and skin rash and inquire about travel to affected countries outside the U.S. and sexual activity. All providers (including sexual health providers) should inquire if patients have been vaccinated and should encourage and offer the vaccine to unprotected individuals including adolescents.
If possible, all travel to affected areas should be delayed or postponed until there is a significant decline in the number of new infections. It is not fully known how clade I will present if diagnosed in the U.S. and if transmission will present similar to DRC and other African nations. The best approach to prevention remains vigilance and vaccination.
During the 2022 outbreak in the U.S., most of the clade II infections were spread through sexual contact, largely impacting men who have sex with men. However, all individuals, regardless of gender and age who remain unvaccinated remain susceptible to infection if exposed. In addition to transmission through sexual contact, exposure can also occur if individuals come into contact with active and weeping skin lesions, rashes or sores of an individual with mpox. Further, any contact with bedding, towels or clothing items contaminated or soiled from contact with an individual with active lesions can pose a high risk for transmission to unprotected and unvaccinated individuals.
More details on mpox, including prevention, data, and vaccination can be found by accessing the following resources:
Data on mpox diagnoses in New York State (outside of New York City) can be found here.
New York City mpox data and resources are posted here.
Information for individuals who become sick or exposed to mpox can be found here.
Mpox vaccine information is available here.
Messaging about mpox including social media content is posted here.