May 11, 2023 -- The CDC said this week it is investigating several new cases of mpox, formerly called monkeypox.
Officials said just a month ago that the weekly pace of new infections had slowed to zero nationwide, CBS News reported. Now, Chicago health officials said they have tracked new infections, and most of the people infected had been previously vaccinated.
“CDC is working with local and state health departments to investigate new mpox cases, some of which occurred in people who were vaccinated. Infection after vaccination is possible, but getting the two-dose vaccine makes getting it less likely,” the CDC tweeted.
There were 13 new or probable cases in Chicago, the CDC said. Nine had been vaccinated. None of the 13 people were hospitalized.
Since April 26, 60 cases have been reported in eight states, the CDC said.
The CDC still urges two doses of vaccine for people at risk. It said doctors should test patients with symptoms, whether they have been vaccinated or not.
"Getting vaccinated is still very important. No vaccine is 100% effective, and infections after vaccination are possible, but they may be milder and less likely to result in hospitalization," the CDC said.
Officials are concerned about a possible resurgence, CBS reported, “especially around travel and gatherings linked to Pride festivities over the coming months.”
Globally, new cases are trending downward, said Tedros Adhanom-Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization. Still, he said, “We know that the virus continues to transmit in certain communities and countries, such as in the Western Pacific region, and we continue to see travel-related cases.”