Florida could be center of US mpox comeback
Gay and bisexual men living in certain counties in Florida may be at increased risk for mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), due to low vaccination rates, according to recent data. Only a minority of gay men in the state appear to have received two doses of the mpox vaccine, which could leave them vulnerable, Strange report.
Last summer’s mpox outbreak resulted in 30,000 confirmed cases in the United States, with most infections among gay and bisexual men. Tragically, approximately 40 deaths were reported, more than half of whom had advanced HIV infection and compromised immune systems.
In recent weeks, health experts have expressed concern that the disease could make a comeback. Chicago, for example, has a higher number of cases compared to the first three months of the year. Warmer weather and increased social activity during pride season may have contributed to further increases in other regions.
data from CDC The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has highlighted 15 U.S. counties with low vaccination rates, with Florida’s Duval County topping the list. Three other Florida counties also made the top 15.
Three other Texas counties made the top 15 list of areas at risk of revival: Shelby, Bexar and Dallas. Other states on the list include Tennessee, Ohio, Michigan, Louisiana, California, Georgia and Indiana.
Duval County stood out because only 6 percent of MSM in the county reported receiving one or two doses of the vaccine.That puts the county’s chance of another outbreak at about 57%, the highest-risk county in the U.S., according to the CDC
Additionally, Hillsborough and Palm Beach counties in Florida have a 52% risk of an outbreak, while Pinellas County has a 48% risk. In Hillsborough and Palm Beach, only about 15 percent of the local gay population is vaccinated.
Concerns have been raised about the DeSantis administration’s approach to vaccinations and gay health issues, which may have contributed to Florida’s low vaccination rates.Governor Ron DeSantis Downplays significance of mpox outbreak last August, and expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the recommended vaccine.
However, a Recent Real World Research A study conducted by the CDC showed that one dose of the vaccine provides 75% protection against mpox virus, while two doses provide 86% protection.
The CDC actively encourages all gay and bisexual men to get two doses of the mpox vaccine to protect themselves from infection.
Published by Medicaldaily.com