Mpox Isn’t Over: What You Need to Know About the Latest Global Updates

Jul 21

What is mpox?

When was the last time you heard about mpox? Many people think it disappeared after the 2022–2023 outbreak in the United States, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

In case you’re not familiar, mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection that causes a painful rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. It spreads primarily through close physical contact, including intimate or sexual contact, but can also be transmitted through contaminated materials like bedding or clothing.

How Mpox spreads. Source: CDC — Infographic of how mpox spreads. Source: CDC

What happened in the United States outbreak?

During the 2022 – 2023 outbreak in the U.S., we saw over 30,000 infections, with a significant impact on gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Thanks to a coordinated community response and targeted vaccination campaigns, new infections dropped dramatically. However, this doesn’t mean the virus has disappeared; it is just being transmitted from person to person at lower levels. From January to May 2025, the US averaged 87.8 cases of mpox per month, compared to an average of 6,000 - 7,000 cases per month during the peak months of the 2022-2023 mpox outbreak.

Why is mpox still a global public health emergency?

In June 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) decided to maintain mpox as a global public health emergency of international concern. This decision was not made lightly.

“Mpox outbreaks continue to occur worldwide, and in 2025 alone, some 23 African countries have reported a total of 79,024 mpox cases and 578 related deaths, which is a stark reminder that infectious diseases do not respect borders.”

— Dr. Leo Moore

Here in the United States, we continue to see low-level transmission — currently around 60 new infections per week, mostly among unvaccinated or partially vaccinated gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Public health officials remain vigilant, and vaccination is still strongly encouraged for people at higher risk.

Who should get vaccinated?

The mpox (JYNNEOS) vaccine isn’t recommended for everyone. It’s targeted to protect those with increased chances of infection:

People with known or presumed exposure

Close contacts of someone diagnosed with mpox.
Anyone who had a sexual partner diagnosed with mpox in the past two weeks.

People at higher risk of exposure

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender and nonbinary people who have had multiple sexual partners, especially in areas with ongoing transmission.
Individuals with a new diagnosis of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia in the past six months.
Those who have had sex at commercial sex venues or large public events in areas with mpox spread.
Sex workers, regardless of gender.

Certain occupational groups

Laboratory and healthcare workers who handle orthopoxviruses.

If you missed the vaccine during the previous outbreak or are unsure if it’s right for you, consult your healthcare provider. Vaccination can reduce the risk of infection and severe disease.

Recognizing symptoms

Mpox symptoms typically include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a distinctive rash that can be painful or itchy. Early recognition and prompt medical care are key to preventing further transmission and improving outcomes.

Mpox lesion 1 - UK Health Security Agency.png

Mpox lesion 2 -ulcerous_ UK Health Security Agency.png

Mpox lesion 3 - Lesions on back_ NHS England.png

Staying informed — without panic

Here in the U.S., we continue to see low levels of ongoing mpox infections, with roughly 60 new infections per week, or about 200 per month, mostly among unvaccinated or partially vaccinated gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. While these numbers are much lower than during the 2022 peak, they serve as an important reminder that mpox hasn’t disappeared completely.

“My goal isn’t to alarm you — it’s to empower you to make informed decisions for yourself and your loved ones. We’ve come a long way since 2022, and I’m here to help us all stay prepared.”