Since last October, the New York City Health Department has observed a significant rise in reported cases of what is now termed the ‘Mpox’ virus.

Additionally, authorities are cautioning the public about a more potent strain of the virus originating from the Congo, which has the potential to escalate locally.

The demographic most affected by the outbreak comprises 94 percent of local patients, consisting of gay and bisexual men. Despite this, the current number of cases remains significantly lower than the peak observed nearly two years ago.