SAN FRANCISCO – With an outbreak of Mpox (formerly monkeypox) underway in Africa’s Democratic Republic of Congo, global health experts are urging people at higher risk of contracting the virus to take steps to protect themselves to keep healthy.
“Within Pride Month, we want to make sure that our community is up to date and aware,” said Scott Bertani of the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health. “Since May, the country has seen about a 150 percent increase in cases of the current disease, Clade 2.”
While the number of cases here is low, Bertani says they are higher than last year.
“We are well below the total case count of what we saw in 2022, but we are doubling the case count of what we saw in 2023, which suggests there is still an opportunity to have a lot of continued vigilance,” Bertani said. “The concern is that as individuals become less vaccinated and as we see less vaccination within the LGBTQ community, which is most at risk if another strain emerges, we may be less protected.”
The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) says it is closely monitoring the outbreak abroad. Mpox primarily affects men who have sex with men. However, it can also spread through non-sexual contact.
SFDPH provided CBS News Bay Area with the following statement:
SFDPH is closely monitoring mpox activity worldwide, including the clade I mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Being fully vaccinated remains the best way for people to protect themselves from mpox infection, and we encourage people to get the mpox vaccine this summer.
Anyone who wants protection against MPOX infection can get vaccinated, but the SFDPH strongly recommends two-dose vaccination for all people living with HIV, anyone taking or eligible for HIV PrEP, and all men, transgender people and non-binary people who have sex with men, transgender or non-binary people.
Two doses are needed to be fully vaccinated against MPOX. Individuals can receive their second dose of the mpox vaccine if it has been at least 28 days since their first dose. It is not necessary to restart the two-dose series if it has been more than 28 days since the first dose. Booster doses are not recommended at this time for those who have completed the two-dose series. In addition, mpox vaccination is not recommended at this time for those who have been previously infected.
“The vaccination is absolutely essential and crucial and is widely available,” Bertani said. “Unlike previous years, there is an abundance of vaccines. So it is available. It is possible that we can really eradicate mpox.”
According to Bertani, Pride Month is an important time to inform people about the steps they can take to stay healthy and prevent the spread of the virus.
“As we celebrate Pride, it’s really critical to prioritize our health,” he said. “This is really an opportunity to engage in conversations about health equity and really take proactive steps to protect ourselves and our community.”
