King County has observed a significant increase in mpox cases in September 2023, prompting public health officials to renew their emphasis on vaccination. A total of **46 individuals** were diagnosed with the disease, according to data from **Public Health — Seattle & King County**. While this figure is much lower than the **200 cases** reported in August 2022, it highlights that the virus, previously known as monkeypox, continues to circulate both locally and across the United States.
Dr. **Tim Menza**, co-director of the county’s sexual health clinic, noted that seasonal peaks in mpox cases have become typical during late summer months. Despite the uptick, he reassured the public that the overall risk remains low. “This is not necessarily a red alert,” Menza stated. “It’s sort of like a ‘don’t panic’ moment, but be aware. And there are ways one can protect themselves.”
The September 2023 figures reflect an increase compared to the **21 cases** recorded in September 2022 and **9 cases** in September 2021. Since the outbreak began in 2022, approximately **730 cases** have been confirmed in King County, with about **23 cases** requiring hospitalization. The state has reported around **935 cases** since the onset of the outbreak, with no fatalities to date.
Dr. Menza suggested that the recent surge may be linked to large social gatherings that typically occur during the summer. The majority of mpox cases in King County are associated with sexual and intimate contact among men who have sex with men, as well as nonbinary and transgender individuals who have sex with men. Nevertheless, he emphasized that mpox can affect anyone.
“Mpox is still here,” Menza remarked, urging the community to consider vaccination and behavioral changes as key strategies for protection. The mpox vaccine, consisting of two doses administered **28 days apart**, has proven effective in preventing severe cases and is now widely available. Vaccination is particularly recommended for individuals at higher risk, including those recently exposed to an infected person, as well as gay and bisexual men, transgender and nonbinary individuals who engage in sexual activity with men, and those involved in commercial sex work.
Free vaccinations are being offered at the **Harborview Medical Center’s** sexual health clinic, with additional availability at **Kelley-Ross Pharmacy** locations in Capitol Hill and First Hill, as well as various community health centers throughout Seattle.
In addition to vaccination, public health officials advise temporary modifications in behavior to reduce the risk of infection. Recommendations include limiting the number of sexual partners, avoiding venues with direct skin-to-skin contact, and maintaining open communication about health risks with partners.
There are two types of mpox: **clade I** and **clade II**. The majority of cases reported in King County fall under clade II, which primarily spreads through close physical contact. This variant is associated with less severe symptoms, while clade I infections tend to be more severe and have been less frequently reported outside eastern and central Africa. Health officials confirmed the presence of clade I in three residents of California last month, marking the first instances in the U.S. among individuals without recent travel to high-risk areas.
While no clade I cases have been confirmed in Washington state, signs of this variant were detected in Pierce County wastewater in September, indicating a possible presence in the community despite no identified cases.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, stressing the importance of vaccination and prudent health practices as effective measures against mpox. The community is encouraged to stay informed and proactive in safeguarding their health.
