Most monkeypox cases in NC are affecting Black men. What’s being done about it?

Monkeypox surveillance data from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services show the outbreak is disproportionately affecting Black men.

There were 111 cases of monkeypox reported in North Carolina on Tuesday, with 78 of those cases identified in Black men, according to data from the NCDHHS.

Nearly all monkeypox cases reported in the state have been in men who have sex with men, NCDHHS says.

As of Monday, there were 60 confirmed monkeypox cases in Mecklenburg County, up from 53 three days prior, Mecklenburg County Health Director Dr. Raynard Washington said during a press conference.

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Demographic data from NCDHHS show that men who have tested positive for monkeypox vary in age.

As of Tuesday, nearly 60% of monkeypox cases reported in North Carolina were in men between the ages of 30 and 49. Another 37% were between the ages of 18 and 29. Just 5% were 50 or older.

No one under 18 in North Carolina has been diagnosed with monkeypox, according to NCDHHS data.

Only 4% of the cases reported in North Carolina were in men who identify as Hispanic, while 85% were in those who are non-Hispanic.

State data aligns with a national CDC analysis of monkeypox case records published Aug. 5 that indicated Black and Hispanic people made up 54% of confirmed infections since the outbreak in the U.S. began.

What health officials are doing the curb the spread

Although monkeypox is not exclusive to gay and bisexual men, Mecklenburg County health officials are working to raise awareness in the community impacted most by the virus.

RELATED: Fact check: Is monkeypox really an STD? What the CDC says about the virus

To help proactively prevent infections, Washington said the department met with organizers of the upcoming Charlotte Pride festival to promote safety precautions. The county has also started campaigns on dating apps to raise awareness, The Charlotte Observer reported.

“NCDHHS is working with community partners to reach North Carolinians most at risk for getting monkeypox, including hosting a virtual townhall with EqualityNC, publishing an op-ed in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham newspapers about the current situation,” the agency stated in its latest monkeypox response report.

State health officials also noted that NCDHHS secretary Kody Kinsley visited the Mecklenburg County Health Department where “roughly half of cases have been located” to discuss ongoing response efforts.

The initiative comes amid NCDHHS data showing that white residents received 64% of available vaccinations compared to 24% for Black residents.

The remaining appointments to receive the monkeypox vaccine in Mecklenburg County are almost full, officials said in a news release Thursday. The county is expected to get more doses of the vaccine in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, eligible patients who want to get vaccinated are encouraged to join the Mecklenburg County Health Department vaccine waitlist to book an appointment.

Charlotte Observer reporter Blake Douglas contributed to this story.