Almost 90% of US mpox-related deaths were in Black men, and nearly all had weakened immune systems, CDC reports
The report found that between 2013 and 2018, there were 1,072 deaths from mpox in the US.The report found that between 2013 and 2018, there were 1,072 deaths from mpox in the US. Of these, 90% were among Black men, and nearly all had weakened immune systems.
CNN
According to a recent report by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 90% of deaths from mpox in the United States occurred among Black men. Nearly all had weak immune systems.
30235 Americans were diagnosed with monkeypox (formerly mpox) between May 2022 and March 2023. mpox was linked to 38 deaths, 36 of which were men and 33 Black men. The average age was 34.
Mpox can be spread by close contact and anyone can get it. In the outbreak of 2022, most infections occurred among gay and bisexual men.
According to a report published on Thursday, the majority of people hospitalized with severe cases of mpox are Black men who have uncontrolled HIV. This may have weakened their immune systems.
Nearly a quarter of those who died received treatment three to seven week after diagnosis, and another two people did not receive treatment.
The report states that 'these findings highlight the importance to integrate prevention, testing and treatment for multiple sexually-associated infections'. The report says that mpox, HIV, and equitable access to treatment and prevention should be prioritized. This is especially true for Black men and others at risk of sexually transmitted infections.
In a separate report, published on Thursday, the CDC urged equity-based approaches, such as tailored messaging and expanded vaccine service, to increase vaccination rates among racial or ethnic minorities.
During the outbreak of last year, Black and Hispanic males had lower vaccination rates than White men. However, by August, Black and Hispanic males' rates exceeded those of White men. The report stated that the Black and Hispanic males had a lower vaccination-to-case rate, and the vaccination rates did not match the "elevated incidence" rates among Black men.
In the US, between May and December of 2022, 723,112 men received the first dose of two of the mpox vaccination.
The report states that 'continued implementation equity-based vaccine strategies is required to further increase vaccination levels and reduce the incidence mpox in all racial groups and ethnicities'.
According to the CDC, more than 30,000 Americans have been infected with mpox as of Wednesday. 42 deaths have also occurred.