A new analysis reveals that gay and bisexual men who engage in unprotected anal sex are five times more likely to contract the mpox virus, previously known as monkeypox.
The US’s CDC study analysed the sexual habits of nearly 1,500 American men under 50. Of the group, 457 had contracted mpox, and unprotected anal sex emerged as the leading risk factor. However, the CDC cautions that condoms alone may not fully prevent mpox transmission, as the virus can spread through skin contact, saliva, and respiratory secretions.
The Jynneos vaccine is currently the most effective prevention method, but only 25% of the estimated two million eligible individuals in the U.S. have received both doses. Recent findings suggest that the vaccine’s effectiveness diminishes within a year, indicating a need for booster shots.
Alongside these findings, a second report highlights the rise of drug-resistant mpox strains, particularly in California, Illinois, and other U.S. states. From October 2023 to February 2024, clusters of resistant cases were reported, with some patients requiring hospitalisation for pain management. The emergence of these strains, which resist the first-line treatment drug tecovirimat, emphasises the need for new therapeutic options.