Baltimore reports rise in mpox cases, health officials urge vaccination

The Baltimore City Health Department reported an increase in locally diagnosed mpox cases, documenting 24 cases between January 1 and November 20, 2025. More than half of those infections were identified after September 1, signaling a recent surge that prompted renewed outreach to communities and clinicians.

Health officials emphasized that the overall risk to the general public remains low, but that specific groups face higher risk. Those groups include men who have sex with men, people with multiple sexual partners, and individuals who are immunocompromised. The department urged people in these groups to consider vaccination, to be alert for symptoms, and to seek testing promptly if they develop signs consistent with mpox.

Mpox is spread primarily through close skin to skin contact and can also be transmitted through prolonged face to face exposure to respiratory secretions or contact with contaminated materials. Common symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic rash or lesions that may appear on the face, hands, genitals, or other parts of the body. Early testing and isolation of symptomatic individuals can limit onward transmission and protect vulnerable community members.

The department noted that the JYNNEOS vaccine is available at Baltimore City Health Department sexual health clinics for eligible residents. The department also provided guidance for clinicians on testing and case management and linked its recommendations to state and national public health guidance. Contact information for BCHD sexual health clinics and details on scheduling were included in the department materials for residents seeking vaccination or testing.

The rise in cases has implications beyond immediate clinical care. Communities already facing barriers to health care access may experience disproportionate impacts if outreach and vaccine access are not prioritized. Stigma and mistrust can deter people from seeking testing or vaccination, making targeted, culturally competent outreach essential. Public health measures that expand clinic hours, partner with community organizations, and remove barriers to care can reduce inequities and reduce transmission.

Clinicians, community organizations, and city health planners were urged to coordinate outreach to at risk groups, maintain vigilance for symptoms, and ensure easy access to vaccination and testing. Timely testing and equitable vaccine access remain the most effective tools to protect individuals and curb the local outbreak.