Officials for DC Health released online data today for monkeypox cases throughout the District, revealing that there are 350 positive cases in D.C. as of August 16.

The online dashboard includes a demographic breakdown for monkeypox cases, which includes age, gender identity, race, and ward residence. It also includes data on the total number vaccinations distributed throughout D.C.

According to the data, 98% of all cases are occurring among men, with the majority between the ages of 25-39 (50.3%). Residents in Ward 1 and 2 currently make up 40.3% of cases. The data also found that 47.% and 36.6% of individuals with monkeypox identified as white and Black, respectively.

Meanwhile, there have been a total of 16,124 vaccinations distributed to date, with the majority going to men at 93.9%. White residents also made up the majority of vaccine recipients at 62.1%, followed by 21.4% comprised of black residents.

According to the website, the data will be updated every Wednesday at 11 a.m. EST.

The release of data comes after a majority of D.C. council members signed a letter on Monday that called on the agency to improve its communication to the public.

“More than two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, District residents are now facing another emerging health crisis about which they know little and fear much: the monkeypox virus,” said the letter, which was signed by At-Large DC Councilmember Elissa Silverman and seven others.

In the letter, councilmembers asked DC Health to make greater efforts in vaccine equity. The letter pointed to the use of social media and online registration for vaccinations as positive, but asked officials to make greater outreach efforts for residents with limited access to the internet.

“We would like to know more about what other efforts are being undertaken to reach eligible residents who may not be on social media or have consistent Internet connection,” said the letter. “We are interested in learning more about how DC Health is applying lessons learned during COVID about communicating and distributing vaccines to the monkeypox situation.”

Last week, DC Health expanded eligibility for monkeypox vaccines by removing its gender and sexuality criteria. Under the new policy, anyone who has had multiple sexual partners in the past two weeks is now eligible, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Officials say the move was done in part to reduce stigma and encourage those who had not yet been vaccinated. It also gave D.C. one of the broadest vaccination criteria in the country.

Councilmembers also raised concerns about information access for parents worried about exposure for their children this upcoming school year, despite not being a high risk population for transmission. They urged the District to work with school officials on providing communication to parents about safety, citing the disease’s transfer from skin-to-skin contact and “playful activities” among children.

Anil T. Mangla, the state epidemiologist at DC Health, said in an interview with the Washington Post that he’s been meeting regularly with school district leaders and that there are plans to release a back-to-school FAQ once they’ve received guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“I want to make sure they have the right information rather than misinformation,” said Mangla.

As of Monday, over 28,000 people have pre-registered for a vaccine appointment through D.C.’s online portal. Meanwhile, officials continue to host first-come, first-served walk up clinics every Friday.

Officials for DC Health did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether the decision to release monkeypox data was prompted by the letter from council members, and if there are any plans to address the letter’s concerns on schools and vaccine distribution.

This story was updated to clarify that 21.4% of vaccines have gone to Black residents.

Previously:

D.C. Expands Monkeypox Vaccine Eligibility, Removes Gender And Sexuality Criteria
D.C. To Open Walk-Up Monkeypox Vaccine Clinics Every Friday
How Monkeypox Messaging And Response Is Failing, According To Local LGBTQ+ Advocates
Amid Supply Constraints, D.C. Postpones Residents’ Second Monkeypox Vaccine Doses
D.C. Has The Highest Number Of Monkeypox Cases Per Capita In The U.S.
D.C. Launches Pre-Registration System For Monkeypox Vaccinations
What To Know About Monkeypox Vaccination In The D.C. Region
D.C. Is Making Limited Number Of Monkeypox Vaccines Available
What To Know About Monkeypox In The D.C. Region