Monkeypox cases slow, but disease hit Maryland’s Black communities harder

The spread of new monkeypox cases is slowing in Maryland and the District of Columbia. However, newly released data from the Maryland Department of Health shows that monkeypox cases in Maryland are disproportionately affecting Black communities, mirroring national demographic data as health officials grapple with how to stop cases of the viral disease. Most cases are affecting gay men, bisexual men and men who have sex with other men. Individuals of any gender or sexual orientation can contract monkeypox through close personal contact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Black and Latino individuals are disproportionately affected nationally.