PRESS RELEASE

Increase in Mpox Cases in Baltimore City; Risk to the General Public Remains Low

PRESS RELEASE

BALTIMORE, MD (Friday, November 28, 2025) — There has been a notable increase in mpox cases reported among Baltimore City residents. From January 1 through November 20, 2025, 24 cases have been reported in Baltimore City, with more than half occurring since September 1. In 2024, a total of seven cases were reported.  Mpox is caused by a virus that can be transmitted through intimate contact, including sexual contact, and close household exposure (like sharing bedding or other items).  The risk for the general public remains low. Although mpox can infect anyone who is exposed, those at highest risk include people with multiple sexual partners, men who have sex with men, and transgender people. Mpox vaccines are available at the Baltimore City Health Department Sexual Health and Wellness clinics. You can also ask your primary care provider about the vaccine. Vaccines are available at some commercial pharmacies. 

In 2022, a global mpox outbreak affected the United States, including the Baltimore region. At the peak of the outbreak, 241 cases were reported in Baltimore from July- December 2022. Mpox has been circulating at low levels since the fall of 2022.   

Mpox can cause a painful rash, with lesions lasting 2-4 weeks. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, or rectal pain (proctitis). Most people recover without serious complications or the need for medical treatment; an over-the-counter pain-reliever is typically sufficient. People living with a condition that weakens the immune system, including HIV or other immune deficiency disorders, may be more likely to have serious complications.  Among 855 cases reported in Maryland since 2022, a total of three deaths have been reported. 

There are two “clades,” or main types of the mpox virus: Clade I and Clade II.  Clade II generally causes milder disease and has been circulating at low levels in the United States since 2022. Clade I may cause more severe disease and has recently been linked to outbreaks in some African countries since 2024.  A small number of Clade I cases were identified in California in October 2025. This is the first time that people with Clade I mpox did not have a history of international travel, indicating person-to-person community spread in California, primarily impacting communities of gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men, as well as their social networks. No cases of Clade I have been identified in Baltimore City at this time. 

Mpox is spread mainly through close, intimate contact with someone who has mpox. This includes sexual contact, direct contact with a rash or sores of someone who has mpox, or contact with bodily fluid.  People with mpox are at risk of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Mpox can mimic other STIs, especially syphilis and herpes.  Healthcare providers should test for other STIs at the same time as mpox testing. Mpox can also be spread to household members by sharing personal items such as clothing, bedding, or other items, and can be spread from a pregnant person with mpox to a fetus during pregnancy or a newborn during or after birth. Casual contact, such as in an airplane, office, or store, is unlikely to spread mpox. 

Individuals can protect themselves by getting vaccinated for mpox. ​The following individuals should ​get the mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS): 

• People traveling to countries or geographical areas with ongoing Clade I and Clade II mpox outbreaks Monkeypox Vaccination | Monkeypox | CDC
• Known or suspected exposure to someone with mpox 
• People with HIV who are sexually active with more than 1 partner
• People who had a sex partner diagnosed in the past 2 weeks with mpox
• People who are gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with other men, or are transgender or nonbinary and in the past 6 months have had any of the following:
• A new diagnosis of one or more sexually transmitted diseases, (e.g. chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis)
• More than one sex partner 
• People who had sex in a commercial sex venue (e.g. sex club, bathhouse), or large commercial event (e.g. rave party, festival), or in a geographical area (city or county) with ongoing mpox transmission
• People who have sex in exchange for money, goods, drugs or trade
• People are at risk for occupational exposure (e.g. certain laboratories or health care workers) 

Vaccines are available at Baltimore City Health Department Sexual Health and Wellness clinics. You can also ask your primary care provider about vaccine. Vaccines are available at some commercial pharmacies. 

“The risk of mpox to the general population remains very low,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Taylor. “We do not mean to alarm anybody. However, we wanted to ensure the public was aware of this increase in cases, especially so that people at higher risk of being exposed to mpox can take actions to protect themselves. We encourage those with multiple sex partners, those living with HIV, and others who are recommended to receive mpox vaccine to talk to their providers about being vaccinated for mpox. Testing and vaccination for mpox is also available at the Baltimore City Health Department Sexual Health and Wellness Clinics.” You can reach the Sexual Health and Wellness Clinics at 410-396-9410 or 410-318-0186. 

Individuals who may be at risk for mpox exposure, especially those who are immunocompromised, including those who are living with HIV, are encouraged to speak with their doctors about mpox vaccine if they have not already been vaccinated.  If you think you may have been exposed to mpox, or have a rash concerning for mpox, you can call Baltimore City Health Department Sexual Health and Wellness clinics for evaluation testing (410-396-9410; 410-318-0186) Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5 pm.  

If you have tested positive for mpox or have additional questions about mpox, contact BCHD’s Office of Acute Communicable Diseases at (410) 396-4436 8:30am – 4:30pm Monday through Friday.  

More information can be found at the Maryland Health Department website or the Baltimore City Health Department website.