Maine CDC Health Advisory

February 28, 2023

Updates on Mpox Surveillance, Testing, Treatment, and Vaccination in Maine

As of February 15, 2023, a total of 30,193 cases of mpox and 32 deaths have been reported nationwide as part of the 2022 mpox outbreak. Mpox case counts have fallen in recent months, from an average of over 400 cases a day in August 2022 to less than five per day in February 2023. Thirteen mpox cases were reported in Maine residents in 2022 (preliminary data as of February 28, 2023) and no cases have been reported so far in 2023.

In the current outbreak, most people have been infected during sexual activity from contact with mpox lesions on the skin or mucosal surfaces, such as the throat, anus, or rectum, of a person with mpox. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men make up the majority of cases. Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can become infected with mpox if they have close or intimate contact with someone who is pre-symptomatic for or has symptoms of mpox.

Advisory (PDF)