New York Department of Health confirms second monthly drop in mpox cases

Departamento of Saúde and Higiene Mental of Nova York released data showing a reduction in mpox cases for the second month in a row. In December 2025, 26 cases were recorded in the city, a drop from 38 in November and 63 in October, which represented the annual peak.

This declining trend follows a period of elevation seen during the summer and fall. The numbers began to rise from June, with 33 cases, rising to 44 in July, 59 in August and 61 in September.

The majority of cases remain concentrated in specific groups, with main transmission through close contact. Autoridades reinforce the importance of complete vaccination to contain the circulation of the virus.

Monthly Trend and Historical Comparison

Mpox cases in Nova York showed a seasonal pattern in 2025, similar to that observed in previous years. The increase recorded in the summer reflects increases seen in 2024, when numbers also increased in the spring and remained high in the summer.

However, the current situation remains far from the peak of the epidemic in 2022. Naquele year, the city registered around 100 cases per day in certain periods.

The reduction observed in the last two months indicates a stabilization after the autumn peak. Dados updated until the beginning of January 2026 show that the total accumulated since the beginning of 2025 reached around 398 cases.

Distribution by neighborhoods and profile of cases

Brooklyn led the number of cases in December 2025, with 12 records. Queens appeared in second place, with seven cases, followed by Manhattan, with five.

Bronx recorded two cases, while Staten Island did not present any diagnosis during the period. Essa distribution marks a change compared to previous months, when Manhattan concentrated the majority of cases between September and November.

Of the 26 cases in December, 24 occurred in men. The other two involved transgender, gender non-conforming or non-binary people.

Ways of virus transmission

Mpox is transmitted mainly through intimate contact, including oral, anal or vaginal sexual intercourse. The virus can also pass through other close contacts with injuries or bodily fluids.

Transmission occurs from the onset of symptoms until complete healing of the lesions and formation of new skin. In some cases, the virus spreads one to four days before symptoms appear.

• Direct contact with rashes or scabs;
• Touch contaminated objects, such as clothes or towels;
• Prolonged face-to-face contact, with risk of respiratory droplets.

The disease predominantly affects men who have sex with men, but limited cases occur in other groups. Autoridades maintain continuous monitoring to identify circulation patterns.

Vaccination with Jynneos and recommendations

The Jynneos vaccine remains available in Nova York and offers protection against clade I and clade II variants of the virus. The complete regimen requires two doses, with a minimum interval of 28 days.

People who only received the first dose, even in 2022, can complete the cycle at any time. Vaccination reduces the risk of infection and alleviates symptoms in cases of contagion.

Sexual health professionals administer the doses in various parts of the city. Indivíduos at risk or with recent exposure should seek immunization as soon as possible, ideally within 14 days after contact.

• Men who have sex with men, regardless of gender identity;
• Trans, non-binary people or people with other gender identities at risk;
• Travelers to areas with clade I circulation and the possibility of new partners;
• Close contacts of confirmed cases.

Daily prevention measures

Reducing the number of sexual partners helps reduce the risk of exposure. Using condoms and gloves in intimate contact offers additional protection, although it does not completely eliminate the danger.

Avoiding sharing personal objects, such as clothes or utensils, prevents indirect transmission. Cobrir skin lesions and maintaining strict hygiene also contribute to control.

Officials recommend seeking immediate testing when experiencing symptoms such as a rash or fever. Isolation until the lesions are completely healed prevents spread.

Data update and monitoring

Departamento of Saúde of Nova York updates mpox numbers monthly based on confirmed diagnoses. Totals accumulated since January 2025 indicate continued circulation, but at controlled levels.

Between December 2025 and early January 2026, around 20 additional cases were recorded. Essa count reflects diagnoses reported in a recent period.

Monitoring includes analysis of variants and vaccine effectiveness. Não there are signs of a return to the high levels of 2022 in the city.

Public health strategies adopted

Awareness campaigns focus on the most affected communities. Clínicas specialized services facilitate access to vaccination and rapid tests in neighborhoods with the highest incidence.

Partnerships with community organizations expand the distribution of information. The objective remains to achieve complete vaccination coverage among risk groups.

The integrated response involves contact tracing and medical guidance. Essas actions contributed to the containment observed in recent months.