Mpox Has Remained a Persistent Risk in the U.S.

Data suggests that low vaccination rates and declining public health efforts may allow the virus to become endemic.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in COVID-19

A stainless steel medical centrifuge on a sterile white lab bench, highlighting clinical monitoring of public health. — Persistent vaccination gaps and declining public health tracking have left mpox circulating in the U.S., with health officials warning of the virus becoming endemic. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Mpox continues to circulate within the United States, with over 2,500 cases reported in 2025 and nearly 1,000 cases recorded as of October 2026. The persistence of the virus has raised concerns that it may soon become endemic to the country.

Why it matters

The virus persists because vaccination coverage among at-risk populations remains insufficient to stop transmission. Public health efforts, including consistent data tracking, have dwindled since early 2024.

The JYNNEOS vaccine maintains a 66% to 90% efficacy rate with two doses, yet only 23% of the at-risk population was fully vaccinated by early 2024. Experts estimate that 21% to 35% immunity is required to prevent a large-scale outbreak.

The details

Mpox primarily spreads through close contact during sexual activity, entering the body via mucous membranes, the respiratory tract, or broken skin. Because information about vaccination status was missing for 62% of cases in a recent August report, tracking the full impact of the virus has become increasingly difficult.

2022 saw the global mpox outbreak and the U.S. peak in case numbers.
National vaccination tracking for the virus ceased in early 2024.
U.S. health officials reported over 2,500 mpox cases throughout 2025.
A report on national mpox data was published in August 2026.
Reported U.S. mpox cases fell below 1,000 as of October 2026.

The Big Picture

This ongoing transmission follows the 2022 global mpox outbreak, which serves as the primary benchmark for assessing current risk levels. The shift toward endemic status indicates a move away from the high-alert crisis phase toward long-term management of the virus.

Unvaccinated individuals remain at significantly higher risk, facing nearly 10 times the odds of hospitalization compared to those who are fully vaccinated. Protecting oneself requires prioritizing the two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine series, especially as public health monitoring remains limited.

The takeaway

Maintaining immunity through vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of personal hospitalization and prevent broader community transmission. The lack of standardized data highlights the importance of individuals staying proactive about their personal health status.