Mpox Cases Rise in King County, Prompting Renewed Vaccination Push
Seattle, WA – Public health officials in King County are urging residents to be aware of a recent uptick in mpox cases, reporting 46 diagnoses in September – a meaningful increase compared to the 21 cases recorded during the same period last year and the 9 reported in September 2023. While the current numbers remain far below the peak of the 2022 outbreak, the rise serves as a crucial reminder that the virus, formerly known as monkeypox, continues to circulate within the community and nationwide.
Dr. Tim Menza, co-director of king County’s sexual health clinic, emphasized that this isn’t a cause for panic, but a call for vigilance. “It’s sort of like a ‘don’t panic’ moment, but be aware. And there are ways one can protect themselves,” he stated. Officials suspect the increase may be linked to larger social gatherings during the summer months.
Since the outbreak began in 2022, King County has confirmed approximately 730 cases of mpox, with around 23 requiring hospitalization.Statewide, over 935 cases have been detected, with no fatalities reported to date.
Who is at Risk?
The majority of cases in King County are currently linked to sexual and intimate contact among men who have sex with men, as well as nonbinary and transgender individuals who have sex with men. However, health officials stress that anyone can contract mpox.
Vaccination Remains Key
The mpox vaccine, administered in two doses approximately 28 days apart, is highly effective in preventing severe illness. vaccination is readily available to those at higher risk, including:
* Individuals recently exposed to an infected person.
* Gay and bisexual men.
* Transgender, nonbinary, or gender-diverse individuals who have sex with men.
* People who engage in commercial or transactional sex.
Where to Get Vaccinated:
* Public Health – Seattle & King County’s sexual health clinic at Harborview Medical Center: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dph/health-safety/disease-illness/mpox/vaccine
* Kelley-Ross Pharmacy (Capitol Hill & First Hill locations)
* Other community health centers: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dph/health-safety/disease-illness/mpox/vaccine
Beyond Vaccination: Reducing Yoru risk
Along with vaccination, public health officials recommend considering temporary behavioral changes to minimize risk, including:
* Reducing the number of sexual partners.
* Avoiding venues with close skin-to-skin contact and minimal clothing.
* Being aware of potential symptoms and openly discussing risks with partners.
Stay Informed:
* King County Mpox Data Dashboard: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dph/health-safety/disease-illness/mpox/data
* Washington state Department of health Mpox Information: https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/mpox/mpox-data
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