FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 8, 2024
CONTACT: Chris Boyle, Director of Communications
(860) 706-9654 – christopher.boyle@ct.gov
HARTFORD, Conn.—The Connecticut Department of Public Health has announced that a total of 11 Connecticut residents have been diagnosed with mpox so far 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 these patients have not been hospitalized. In 2023, only four Connecticut residents were diagnosed with mpox and there were 145 cases in 2022. Additionally, there has never been a death in Connecticut associated with mpox.
“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. “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 who are concerned about fever, swollen glands, and a new rash, should contact their health care 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.
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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 Connecticut residents at risk have received both doses of the vaccine. With continued mpox spread in the US and globally, people at risk should get vaccinated to protect their health and their 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 contact your health care provider or visit the DPH mpox page: ct.gov/dph/mpox
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