King County has reported a concerning increase in mpox cases, with at least 46 diagnoses in September 2023, according to data from Public Health — Seattle & King County. This marks the highest monthly total in three years, although it remains significantly lower than the peak of 200 cases recorded in August 2022. Health officials are reiterating their call for vaccination as a preventive measure against the disease, which was previously known as monkeypox.
Dr. Tim Menza, co-director of the county’s sexual health clinic, emphasized that while the current numbers are notable, the overall risk to the general public remains low. Seasonal spikes in mpox cases, particularly during the late summer, have become a pattern. “This is not necessarily a red alert,” Dr. Menza stated. “It’s sort of like a ‘don’t panic’ moment, but be aware. And there are ways one can protect themselves.”
In September 2022, King County recorded only 21 cases, illustrating the recent uptick. Cumulatively, since the outbreak began in 2022, approximately 730 cases have been confirmed in the county, with around 23 hospitalizations. On a statewide level, there have been about 935 cases reported without any fatalities.
The reasons behind the September surge remain unclear, but Dr. Menza speculated that large social gatherings during the summer months may have contributed. The majority of mpox cases in King County are linked to sexual and intimate contact among men who have sex with men and nonbinary individuals. However, the disease can affect anyone.
“Mpox is still here,” Dr. Menza remarked, highlighting the importance of vaccination as a key protective measure. The mpox vaccine, which consists of two doses administered approximately 28 days apart, is highly effective at preventing severe cases of the disease. It is widely available to individuals at higher risk, including those who have recently been exposed to the virus and individuals within specific demographic groups, such as gay and bisexual men and transgender or nonbinary individuals engaging in sexual contact.
Vaccination services are offered at several locations, including the Harborview Medical Center and Kelley-Ross Pharmacy locations in Capitol Hill and First Hill. Additionally, other community health centers in Seattle are providing access to the vaccine.
Health officials are also advising individuals to consider temporary changes in behavior to reduce their risk of infection. Suggested precautions include limiting the number of sexual partners, avoiding venues where direct skin-to-skin contact is likely, and being vigilant about potential symptoms.
Mpox is classified into two strains: clade I and clade II. Both primarily spread through close contact with an infected person. While clade II, which is prevalent in King County, tends to cause milder illness, clade I infections are more severe and have been linked to higher mortality rates. In September, health officials detected signs of clade I in Pierce County’s wastewater, suggesting the potential presence of the more virulent strain in the area, although no cases have been confirmed.
In summary, King County’s recent rise in mpox cases serves as a reminder of the ongoing presence of the virus. Public health officials urge vaccination and behavioral awareness as critical strategies in mitigating the spread of the disease.
