Spike in mpox cases in Chicago prompts warning from city health officials

CHICAGO — City health officials are offering a warning to residents in Chicago amid a recent spike in mpox cases in the city.

According to the mpox dashboard, operated by the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), the city has seen 100 cases of mpox, previously known as monkeypox, between July 12 and September 30, which resulted in two hospitalizations.

Of those cases, the CDPH says 55 were diagnosed in September alone.

All of those infected were between the ages of 18 and 64 and nearly all were men.

Since June 4, 2022, when the city began keeping track of cases, Chicago has seen about 1,450 cases of mpox, with 86 resulting in hospitalization and four resulting in death.

That tally includes those who fell victim during an outbreak that occurred in the United States in 2022, which came amid a global outbreak that continues in some areas, including in some African countries.

The CDPH says it is working closely with the CDC and will respond as needed.

What is mpox?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus.

There are two distinct clades of mpox: Clade I, with subclades Ia and Ib, as well as Clade II, with subclades IIa and IIb.

WHO says the 2022 outbreak was caused by the clade IIb strain. 

No cases of the Clade I mpox strain seen in other parts of the world have been reported in Chicago.

The CDPH says mpox symptoms can include a painful and uncomfortable rash or sores, which are often accompanied by flu-like illness.

Mpox can also result in severe disease requiring hospitalization, particularly in the immunocompromised or those who suffer from other health conditions.

Who is at risk of catching mpox?

The CDPH says anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can get mpox through close contact with an infected individual, contaminated materials, or infected animals. 

According to the CDPH, however, data suggest that the virus has primarily spread among social networks of gay, bisexual, and same-gender-loving men through intimate contact, and the risk is especially high for men who have multiple or anonymous sexual partners.

Mpox can also be spread through clothing, bedding, linens, or other materials used by an infected individual, or through respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact.

Pregnant women are also at risk, as the virus may be passed to the fetus or to a newborn during or after birth, though that type of infection is less frequent.

Health officials currently believe mpox spreads from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed, which typically takes about 2 to 4 weeks.

Mpox prevention

The first step recommended by the CDPH and WHO to avoid mpox is to get vaccinated.

The CDPH says the JYNNEOS vaccine can help protect people against mpox when given before exposure to the virus and strongly encourages those eligible to get the vaccine.

The two-dose vaccine is administered 28 days apart and optimal protection is not achieved until two weeks after the second dose.

The CDPH also recommends that those who have had known or suspected exposure to someone with mpox get the vaccine as soon as possible.

Additionally, the CDPH shared the following list of dates and locations where it will hold mpox vaccination events.

• Saturday, October 11, 10 am–2 pm: Onyx Medical & Wellness, 2247 E. 73rd St.
• Wednesday, October 22, 10 am–1 pm: Center on Cottage Grove, 6323 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
• Thursday, October 23, 10 am–1 pm: Center on Cottage Grove, 6323 S. Cottage Grove Ave.

Those unable to attend can also visit the CDPH Mpox Vaccine Finder to find out where to get a vaccine in Chicagoland.