Mpox Outbreak In US Prison Turns Deadly, Spreads Among Inmates

The World Health Organization declared the previous mpox global emergency over in May 2023. However, just over a year later, the situation has escalated again. Since early 2024, a more deadly and transmissible strain of the virus has emerged, resulting in over 600 deaths. Recently, new cases have surfaced in Europe and Asia, prompting the WHO to declare a new mpox global health emergency in August. According to the WHO Mpox report dated September 3, 2024, as of July 31, 2024, a total of 102,997 laboratory-confirmed cases and 186 probable cases, including 223 deaths, have been reported globally.

Now, the highly contagious and deadly mpox, known for causing rashes and flu-like symptoms, has been detected at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility in Iowa. The exact number of confirmed cases remains unknown, but prison staff have assured the public that they are managing the situation.

“We’re actively managing the situation with robust health measures,” stated Paul Cornelius, Chief of Staff for the Iowa Department of Corrections, in a statement to the Des Moines Register, first reported by KCCI-TV.

Mpox primarily spreads through close physical contact with an infected person, including sexual transmission and contact with infected materials such as blisters and scabs. Proper hygiene and protective measures are essential to prevent its transmission.