11 cases of mpox so far this year in CT

HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) – The Department of Public Health says 11 Connecticut residents have been diagnosed with mpox this year.

All 11 patients are between the ages of 20 and 50 and reside in Fairfield, New Haven, New London, and Hartford counties.

The majority of the patients weren’t hospitalized, officials say.

This marks a rise in cases, as only four people were diagnosed during 2023.

However, there were as many as 145 cases in 2022.

“Fortunately, we are in a far different place than we were in 2022 thanks to the availability of the mpox vaccine and greater awareness,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD.

There has never been a death in the state associated with mpox.

“Mpox spreads through close prolonged contact with an infected person. This might include coming into contact with skin lesions, or bodily fluids, sharing clothes or other materials that have been used by an infected person, or inhaling respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact.”

Commissioner Juthani added that residents concerned about fever, swollen glands, and a new rash should contact their healthcare provider.

Although anyone can get and spread mpox, the current cases are primarily among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and their sexual partners.

For those who have multiple or anonymous sex partners, their likelihood of mpox exposure is higher.

Vaccination is highly recommended for people who are at risk for mpox.

Two doses of the vaccine are recommended to provide maximum protection.

The CDC estimates that only one in three at-risk Connecticut residents have received both vaccine doses.

With continued mpox spread in the US and globally, people at risk should be vaccinated to protect their health and communities.

People who have received only one dose can still get a second dose; Vaccination is not recommended for people with current mpox symptoms or people who have already had mpox.

For those seeking additional information on the vaccine, please get in touch with your health care provider or visit the DPH mpox page: ct.gov/dph/mpox

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