On the heels of a cluster of new mpox infections in Chicago this month, the CDC is urging at-risk populations to get fully vaccinated.
One year ago Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control released its first report about mpox, then called monkeypox. After a spike in cases last August, the rate of new infections has tapered to a near halt in Harris County. However, the 21 infections in Chicago this month suggest previously acquired immunity may be waning and a summer resurgence may be on the horizon.
Houston has not seen an increase in mpox infections in recent weeks, according to data from the Houston and Harris County health departments. In total, the city of Houston has had 727 confirmed cases of mpox as of May 15. This number has not budged since February 28. Experts say vaccination is the best course for staving off a spike.
The new report from the CDC affirms a 75% vaccine effectiveness rate for patients who receive one dose and an 86% vaccine effectiveness rate for patients who receive the full two-shot regimen, regardless of if the patient is immunocompromised or not.
“This definitely tells us that these vaccines work and that our strategy of vaccinating people and getting both doses really remains core to our efforts to prevent MPox,” said Demetre Daskalakis, the deputy director of the White House’s national mpox response.
However, it is unclear how long previously gained immunity lasts. The majority of those newly infected in Chicago were at least partially vaccinated against the disease.
“Right now, we don’t know why people in this cluster of cases have gotten mpox after vaccination,” said Daskalakis. “We don’t know if immunity after vaccination decreases with time or how long the vaccine protects against mpox infection.”
See here for previous blogging and here for an earlier CNN story about the CDC’s announcement. Those who want to get vaccinated can get it free by contacting the Houston Health Department at 832-393-4220 or Harris County Public Health’s mpox hotline at 832-927-0707. If you or someone you know meet the criteria for being at risk, please take action to protect yourself and others.
In my retirement, I like researching stocks and looking for breakout opportunities. Last summer, SIGA surged to $26 when we had an Mpox outbreak. At $5.80 a share, this company might be worth a look for a small investment. I own 100 shares ($580 investment). Even if we avoid another Mpox outbreak, SIGA should be getting some government renewal orders this year for their smallpox treatment (a precautionary drug stockpile maintained the government). Anyway, this company has an FDA-approved drug, good revenue, $70+ million in the bank, almost no debt, and great insider ownership. Of course, do your own DD before buying anything. I know this isn’t a stock blog, but if I find something that seems undervalued and fits one of Kuff’s topics, I’ll share it with you guys (if you want).