Mpox vaccination recommended for at-risk individuals as cases rise

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Public health officials are urging individuals at higher risk of exposure to mpox to receive vaccination and health care providers to monitor for symptoms, as global transmission of a more severe type of the virus is increasing.

Community transmission of the clade I mpox virus type is on the rise in several countries worldwide, including in western Europe and central and eastern Africa. Symptoms of clade I mpox may be linked to more severe disease compared to clade II mpox, which was responsible for the ongoing global outbreak among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men that started in 2022.

Mpox primarily spreads through close, skin-to-skin contact. This often occurs during intimate or sexual contact, or through contact with lesions of an infected individual during a caregiving relationship, such as a parent caring for a child or an adult caring for another person.

Dr. Dean Sidelinger, health officer and state epidemiologist at Oregon Health Authority, emphasized that people at higher risk of mpox infection should receive the JYNNEOS vaccine promptly. He also noted the importance of health care providers knowing which symptoms to look for and identifying those most at risk.

“A recent uptick in mpox cases in other states has primarily been among men who have sex with men,” Sidelinger said. “While June is Pride Month, Pride events and festivals attracting gay men continue through the summer and into the fall. Some attendees at these events might engage in sexual behavior with other folks they meet at these events so should consider vaccination to protect against mpox, if they haven't gotten the vaccine already.”

In Oregon, infection rates are highest among individuals ages 30 to 39, people living in Multnomah County and members of the Hispanic and Black/African American communities. Most recorded cases involved men who reported having sex with men, with the majority identifying as gay or bisexual men.

Oregon reported a single mpox case in January 2026 and no further cases have been reported since then. The state recorded 270 cases in 2022 when the global mpox outbreak began. In subsequent years, there were 30 cases in 2023, 14 cases in 2024 and 24 cases in 2025.

Individuals who suspect they have mpox should contact their health care provider to inform them before an in-person visit. The provider may recommend testing for mpox. Those without a health care provider can call two-one-one or their local public health authority for assistance in locating a clinic or provider.