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Mpox Outbreak Contained in Chicago
27 Nov
Summary
- Chicago reports only two new mpox cases since Tuesday, Nov. 18.
- Outbreak primarily affected men in the LGBTQ+ community since August.
- Risk to the public is low, but vigilance and vaccination are urged.
The Chicago Department of Public Health has announced that the mpox outbreak within the city has been successfully contained. Following a concentrated public health response, new cases have significantly decreased, with only two reported since Tuesday, November 18. For several weeks, new infections have averaged less than one per day, indicating a strong downward trend.
The outbreak, which began in August, predominantly impacted men within the LGBTQ+ community. Between June 1 and November 24, Chicago recorded 166 new mpox cases, marking a substantial increase. A significant portion of these recent cases occurred among unvaccinated individuals, and 24% were found in people living with HIV. Eight individuals required hospitalization during this period.
While health officials deem the current risk to the public to be low, they emphasize that mpox is still circulating. At-risk residents are strongly encouraged to complete their two-dose mpox vaccine series and to monitor for symptoms such as rash, headache, and chills. The CDPH has established vaccination clinics at its Sexual Health Clinics across the city.
