Vanessa Lamers, MESc, MPH, Director, Performance Management and Quality Improvement, Public Health Foundation
Keira Wickliffe Berger RN, MSN, MPH, Infectious Disease Epidemiologist/Humanitarian Emergencies Specialist
The US has now declared mpox a Public Health Emergency, following the World Health Organization declaration of mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. mpox has now been reported in many countries that have not seen it previously, with over 30,000 cases among 88 countries and territories.
Although anyone can get and spread mpox, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender individuals, are very overrepresented in the current outbreak. Health professionals should familiarize themselves with information on symptoms and spread. Symptoms of mpox can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- Respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
- A rash that may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) but could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth
- The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing
- The rash can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy
As health professionals need to get up to date on mpox information quickly, there are several available resources to build knowledge and understanding of the current outbreak.
- Mpox Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) Calls – These live and archived webinars include relevant and timely information on emerging health threats and public health emergencies.
- Report of the second meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee regarding the multi-country outbreak of mpox – This July 2022 report includes recommendations for countries depending on key characteristics.
- Clinical Guidance for Managing Patients with mpox – This resource includes clinical recognition, considerations for people with HIV, isolation and prevention practices, and clinical treatment.
- Infection Control – This guidance includes specific mpox infection control for healthcare settings, control at home, and at autopsy and human remains.
- Preventing the spread of mpox – These resources include information on the prevention of spread in various settings, household disinfection, and managing pets and mpox.
- Information for Health Departments – This set of webpages includes information for health departments on the U.S. outbreak, including reporting cases, considerations for vaccination, and additional resources.
- Health Equity Guiding Principles for Inclusive Communications – This guide provides information on developing inclusive communications and using a health equity lens. It includes key principles for inclusive communications and a discussion of preferred terms.
These resources are being updated and additional resources are being developed as the outbreak evolves. Additional considerations that health professionals should consider in their response include equitable distribution of resources and vaccines; engagement with diverse community partners that are working with the most affected communities; and use of inclusive and non-stigmatizing language.
Do you have an additional mpox resource, checklist, or factsheet your health department or healthcare facility has developed that you would like to share? Email Immunization@phf.org.