Vaccine, behavior change decrease cases of monkeypox
Monkeypox vaccine is in good supply, and people at risk of contracting the virus appear to be changing their behavior.
The number of monkeypox cases decreasing, so does that mean this epidemic is over?
Not necessarily. This could be like COVID, meaning waves of virus could come and go. It’s too early to tell.
Cases have been trending downward since late August, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. From Aug. 15 to Oct. 5, the number of cases reported each week decreased from 688 to 60.
Data are updated every Wednesday as soon as they are reviewed and verified. The CDC graphs the trend, which is based on cases that have known reporting dates. Cases may be added as more information is obtained through case investigations.
Vaccines have helped decrease the number of monkeypox cases. Credit: Unsplash via Squarespace.
One explanation for the decrease in cases is the combination of vaccine and behavior change in terms of people reducing the number of partners and their willingness to use condoms.
The only way to know what is behind the decrease is to see what happens over the next few months. Monkeypox may be unpredictable. I would take the preparedness route -- get vaccinated and continue to be vigilant in terms of sexual contacts and taking care of my sexual health.
At this point, there is enough vaccine to meet demand. In some ways the demand has decreased a bit because of the decrease of cases, on the other hand, we’re still promoting it and vaccinating people.
On an individual level, managing monkeypox is about managing your sexual health. That’s the big theme here – practicing safe sex. That’s really what this is about.