While the Mpox Emergency was officially over as of the end of January 2023, CDC reports a Potential Risk for New Mpox Cases, citing a small number cluster of outbreaks (Chicago) and insufficient vaccination uptake. Only one-fourth of those most at risk having been vaccinated, and their is Wide Variation in Mpox Vaccination Rates. The high risk group includes "gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) with multiple recent sexual partners, MSM with HIV, those with a known or suspected exposure to mpox, women who have a male sexual partner that meets the above criteria, and laboratory and health care workers working with orthopoxviruses."
From the HRSA HIV/AIDS Bureau Special Bulletin - 5/17/23
HRSA’s HIV/AIDS Bureau Message on Mpox
HRSA’s HIV/AIDS Bureau is encouraging our Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) recipients, healthcare providers, and community members to review the latest CDC Health Alert Network Update below regarding potential risk for new mpox cases this spring and summer.
While the mpox public health emergency officially ended on January 31st, RWHAP recipient and subrecipient should strongly encourage clients who are at risk for mpox to complete the series of two vaccines. In addition, HRSA HAB is asking providers to review your patient and/or client lists to determine whether there are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated people on your rosters who you can re-call or refer for mpox vaccines.
In addition, we ask that you please continue to support mpox prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in your communities.
Thank you,
Laura Cheever and Heather Hauck
Read the Program Letter: Role of RWHAP in Addressing STIs and Mpox
CDC’s Health Alert Network Update: Potential Risk for New Mpox Cases
In the United States, cases of mpox (formerly monkeypox) have declined since peaking in August 2022, but the outbreak is not over. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to receive reports of cases that reflect ongoing community transmission in the United States and internationally. This week, CDC and local partners are investigating a cluster of mpox cases in the Chicago area. From April 17 to May 5, 2023, a total of 12 confirmed and one probable case of mpox were reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health. All cases were among symptomatic men. None of the patients have been hospitalized. Nine (69%) of 13 cases were among men who had received two JYNNEOS vaccine doses. Confirmed cases were in 9 (69%) non-Hispanic White men, 2 (15%) non-Hispanic Black men, and 2 (15%) Asian men. The median age was 34 years (range 24–46 years). Travel history was available for nine cases; four recently traveled (New York City, New Orleans, and Mexico).
Although vaccine-induced immunity is not complete, vaccination continues to be one of the most important prevention measures. CDC expects new cases among previously vaccinated people to occur, but people who have completed their two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine series may experience less severe symptoms than those who have not.
Spring and summer season in 2023 could lead to a resurgence of mpox as people gather for festivals and other events. The purpose of this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Update is to inform clinicians and public health agencies about the potential for new clusters or outbreaks of mpox cases and to provide resources on clinical evaluation, treatment, vaccination, and testing.
Read the full Health Alert Network update.
Additional Mpox Resources
For additional mpox resources for clinicians and healthcare professionals:
- Clinical Quick Reference
- Vaccination Basics for Healthcare Professionals
- Case Definitions for Use in the 2022 Mpox Response
- Clinical Recognition
- Clinical Considerations for Treatment and Prophylaxis of Mpox Infection in People Who are Immunocompromised
- Treatment Information for Healthcare Professionals
For additional HRSA and Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program mpox resources, including access to recent HAB You Heard webinars: