Mpox Cases Remained Steady as Immunity Gaps Persisted
As mpox becomes endemic in the U.S., experts warn that low vaccination rates leave the at-risk population vulnerable to future outbreaks.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in COVID-19
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Reported mpox cases in the United States dropped to under 1,000 as of October 2026, following annual totals of 2,800 in 2024 and over 2,500 in 2025. Despite this decline, public health officials suggest the virus may soon become endemic due to dwindling vaccination coverage and inconsistent reporting.
Why it matters
The persistence of mpox stems from gaps in vaccination, as national tracking ended in 2024 and recent data remains incomplete. Without higher levels of population immunity, the risk of sustained local transmission continues to threaten the at-risk community.
A 2026 analysis indicates that the JYNNEOS vaccine remains 66% to 90% effective when administered in two doses. Unvaccinated individuals faced nearly 10 times the risk of hospitalization compared to those who were fully vaccinated.
The players
JYNNEOS
A two-dose vaccine developed to prevent orthopoxvirus infections including mpox.
The details
Mpox typically enters the body through mucous membranes, the respiratory tract, or broken skin. The virus spreads primarily through close, person-to-person contact during sexual activity. Achieving community-level protection requires 21% to 35% immunity to prevent an outbreak exceeding the scale of 2022, while over 50% immunity would be needed to likely minimize sustained local transmission.
Timeline
2022: Global outbreak and U.S. peak of mpox cases.
2024: National vaccination trend tracking stopped.
2025: Over 2,500 mpox cases reported in the U.S.
August 2026: Report published on U.S. mpox case data.
October 2026: Reported U.S. mpox cases for the year fell under 1,000.
Health Landscape
The U.S. is currently managing mpox as a potential endemic disease, moving away from the acute phase seen during the 2022 global mpox outbreak. Maintaining low transmission now relies on reaching immunity thresholds that were not fully achieved in prior years.
If you are part of the at-risk population, understanding your vaccination status is a critical step in managing your individual risk of hospitalization. It is worth discussing with your doctor whether a two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine series is appropriate for your current health profile.
The takeaway
Mpox has transitioned into a potentially endemic virus in the U.S. due to persistent gaps in vaccination coverage. Individuals should consult a physician to confirm their immunization history and evaluate the necessity of the two-dose vaccine regimen.
Further reading
For more on managing viral outbreaks and community health, visit the COVID-19 section.
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