Since the World Health Organization declared the mpox virus an international health crisis in July 2022, infections have declined from 500 cases per day to fewer than 5 per day in just 6 months. According to an article published in NBC News, the reason for the quick change of pace may have been the result of a combinatory effort on the part of public health officials and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Experts noted that public health officials made the best use of the existing Jynneos vaccine—which was in limited supply at the start of the outbreak—by administering partial doses in order to deliver protection to a greater number of at-risk individuals. Because of the delayed government response to slow the case numbers, LGBTQIA+ activists and community organizations took the initiative to offer educational outreach by instructing at-risk individuals on transmission prevention, tracing the virus’ spread through New York City, and leading community surveys to track symptoms. Research has also shown that individuals who acquired the virus may have built up a strong immunity, preventing them from reinfection, and therefore limiting case numbers.
May 25, 2023