Chicagoans with confirmed and probable cases of mpox have a high rate of co-infections with other sexually transmitted infections, according to an analysis by the Chicago Department of Public Health. [Health News Illinois]

The analysis also found racial disparities, with Black individuals being twice as likely than white individuals to have mpox and HIV co-infections. Latinx individuals had a 34 percent increase and Asian individuals had a 90 percent increase in HIV co-infection compared to white people.

Kara Herrera, an epidemiologist at the department, said the analysis highlights their ability to leverage surveillance and case management data to identify vulnerable populations that may need additional care. 

She said that at the time of mpox diagnoses, “we strongly encourage HIV-negative individuals to get on PreP for HIV and encourage healthcare providers to utilize the syndemic approaches by offering testing and prevention (for) STIs, HIV and infections such as mpox.”

Additionally, the agency suggested further investigation into the association between positive syphilis serology and HIV co-infection among people with mpox.

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