While the 2022 Mpox outbreak has been declared over and the declared public health emergency has ended, low-level transmission of mpox is still occurring in the U.S.
Mpox transmission may still occur within South Carolina.
Providers should continue to test patients with clinical symptoms suggestive of mpox and offer or recommend mpox vaccination as part of routine STD care.
In addition, DHEC strongly recommends that people receive both doses of the mpox vaccination prior to activities that could lead to high-risk contact. There is some protection after the first dose, but the best protection occurs two weeks after the second dose. Jynneos vaccine continues to be made available through DHEC and selected provider clinics that routinely provide STD and HIV clinical services to those most at risk of exposure. You may search for options near you on the mpox vaccine provider map.
Cases in South Carolina
DHEC reports confirmed cases of mpox daily to the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); view the CDC's Mpox tracker map for current cases by state.
As of Friday, Mar. 31, 2023, there have been 239 cases of mpox reported in South Carolina. There has been 1 new case reported since the last report.
A regional breakdown of cases in South Carolina is as follows:
49 cases in the Lowcountry,
85 cases in the Midlands,
30 cases in the Pee Dee,
75 cases in the Upstate region.
Visit the mpox Demographic Information page for additional information on the reported mpox cases and mpox vaccinations, as of March 25, 2023.
Vaccinations
DHEC is responding to these cases and vaccinating high-risk contacts with Jynneos, a safe and FDA-approved vaccine for mpox. Unlike COVID-19 or other viruses that pose a larger threat to the public, mpox vaccinations at this time are not recommended for the general population because of the specific way the virus spreads. They are currently only recommended for those who are part of high-risk groups.
Jynneos vaccine is being made available through DHEC and select private clinics to those most at risk of exposure. You may search for options near you on the mpox vaccine provider map. DHEC is accepting appointments for vaccination at selected clinics for:
- Any man who has sex with men (MSM), including gay or bisexual men, transgender, or gender non-conforming individuals
- Any person receiving HIV PrEP treatment
- Any person who believes they are at risk for exposure to mpox based upon the above criteria.
While mpox cases have declined significantly from the peak of the U.S. outbreak, very low-level transmission continues. The risk to the general public is low; however, people who have been identified as being at high risk for infection can still possibly be exposed. DHEC continues to recommend that individuals at high risk get vaccinated and take steps to avoid exposure. As of Feb. 1, 2023, eligibility for the Jynneos vaccine was expanded to allow vaccination for any person who believes they are at risk of exposure to mpox as described in the initial criteria. The definition of those at risk remains the same. Those at high risk for whom vaccination is recommended is anyone who is likely to have direct, unprotected contact with someone infected with mpox.
People can either call the DHEC Care Line (855) 472-3432 or go online to confirm eligibility and to schedule an appointment. The vaccine is not recommended for the general public or healthcare workers right now.
To date, South Carolina has received 4,287 vials of the Jynneos vaccine from the federal government and has given 4,552 total vaccinations.
Visit the CDC’s mpox vaccine administration page for updated information about doses administered.
