From Pandemic to Epidemic: Lessons Learned From COVID-19 Applied to Mpox Outbreak Response, Westchester County, Metropolitan New York.

The COVID-19 pandemic vaccination infrastructure was redeployed to address the Mpox epidemic. The Westchester County Department of Health coordinated an effective vaccine distribution, tracking, and data collection process with community partners with real-time feedback of operational challenges and updated public health directives. Westchester County, which comprises 9% of the New York State population, administered 24% (6770 doses) of JYNNEOS (smallpox and monkeypox vaccine) across the state. Among first-dose recipients, 13% were Black and 25% were Hispanic, approaching countywide US Census race and ethnicity breakdowns. The operational template designed during COVID-19 can be readily redeployed for subsequent epidemics of even seemingly dissimilar infections like Mpox.

Monkeypox as a potential emerging pandemic: a discussion on future risks and preparedness in Saudi Arabia.

Monkeypox, a zoonotic disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, has emerged as a potential threat with pandemic potential in various regions. While it is challenging to predict specific outbreaks, understanding the factors contributing to Monkeypox's pandemic potential is important. This discussion paper explores the future risks and preparedness measures concerning Monkeypox in Saudi Arabia. The study reviews the past and current knowledge on the Monkeypox outbreak, including its clinical presentation, transmission dynamics (animals-to-humans and humans-to-human), epidemiology, and diagnostic methods. Furthermore, it explores the potential risk factors for the spread of Monkeypox within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, mainly in the Saudi Arabian context, considering factors such as urbanization and travel and trade patterns. The paper emphasizes the importance of early virus detection, surveillance systems, and laboratory capacity in vaccinating and responding to Monkeypox cases. Additionally, it highlights the future risks and preparedness in Saudi Arabia and the usage of social media during the pandemic seeking support and awareness about Monkeypox, and it also highlights the need for effective communication strategies of leaders through social media channels to disseminate accurate information to the public, healthcare providers, and policymakers. The discussion concludes by calling for collaborative efforts among health authorities, researchers, and international medical partners to enhance surveillance, develop outbreak response plans, and ensure the availability of vaccines and treatment options. This research serves as a foundation for guiding future preventive measures and strengthening the overall preparedness of Saudi Arabia in facing the potential emergence of Monkeypox as a future pandemic.

Atypical presentation of mpox in Irrua environs: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, -is an orthopoxvirus infection of the skin and previously a public health emergency of international concern. It reemerged in Nigeria over 5 years ago and has since spread to other parts of the world. This is a case report of a confirmed patient who was managed at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria before the global surge. This report shows peculiar differences from previous patients managed at the same center in terms of the relatively prolonged eruptive phase, possible seasonal occurrence of mpox in the community, and some traditional care for mpox and skin rashes. It also corroborates previous reports of possible sexual transmission of mpox in Nigeria before the report from the global outbreak. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient is a 30-year-old Nigerian male artisan with a 2-month history of raised rashes on the body that started on the genitals then involved other parts of the body. There was history of sore throat and unprotected sex with a female partner with similar rash whose other sexual history could not be ascertained. There was also history of "seasonal" rash in his village for about 7 years prior to his symptoms. Examination showed multiple vesicles and some nodules (ulcerating, healing, and healed) on the face, trunk, limbs, gluteal region, scrotum, palms, and sole, an almost circumferential penile ulcer, and lymphadenopathy. Polymerase chain reaction skin samples sent for mpox returned positive, while retroviral and coronavirus disease 2019 screenings were negative. He was managed in isolation while contact tracing in the affected community was initiated. CONCLUSION: Atypical presentations of mpox, as managed in Irrua before the global surge, emphasize the varied spectrum of presentations (typical and atypical) in Nigeria. Therefore, there is a need for a higher index of suspicion for the uncommon presentations which will strengthen case recognition, case management, and community-based interventions as well as surveillance in the prevention and control of mpox in Irrua, its environs, Nigeria, and the world.

Vaccine conspiracy association with higher COVID-19 vaccination side effects and negative attitude towards booster COVID-19, influenza and monkeypox vaccines: A pilot study in Saudi Universities.

Conspiracies regarding vaccines are widely prevalent, with negative consequences on health-seeking behaviors. The current study aimed to investigate the possible association between the embrace of vaccine conspiracies and the attitude to booster COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and monkeypox (mpox) vaccinations as well as the perceived side effects following COVID-19 vaccination. The target population involved academic staff and university students in health colleges in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed in January 2023 to collect data on participants' demographics, self-reported side effects following each dose, willingness to get booster COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and mpox vaccinations, as well as an evaluation of vaccine conspiracies and attitude to mandatory vaccination. Among the 273 participants, the willingness to receive yearly booster COVID-19 vaccination was observed among 26.0% of the participants, while it was 46.9% and 34.1% for seasonal influenza and mpox vaccinations, respectively. Multinomial logistic regression analyses demonstrated a significant correlation between endorsing vaccine conspiracies and higher frequency of self-reported side effects following uptake of the second and third doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccine conspiracies were also correlated with attitude toward booster COVID-19, influenza, mpox, and mandatory vaccination. The findings of this pilot study highlighted the potential adverse impact of the preexisting notions and negative attitudes toward vaccines, which could have contributed to heightened perceived side effects following COVID-19 vaccination. The study also highlighted the ongoing divisions concerning mandatory vaccination policies, emphasizing the need for cautious implementation of this strategy as a last resort for public health benefit.

APOBEC3 deaminase editing in mpox virus as evidence for sustained human transmission since at least 2016.

Historically, mpox has been characterized as an endemic zoonotic disease that transmits through contact with the reservoir rodent host in West and Central Africa. However, in May 2022, human cases of mpox were detected spreading internationally beyond countries with known endemic reservoirs. When the first cases from 2022 were sequenced, they shared 42 nucleotide differences from the closest mpox virus (MPXV) previously sampled. Nearly all these mutations are characteristic of the action of APOBEC3 deaminases, host enzymes with antiviral function. Assuming APOBEC3 editing is characteristic of human MPXV infection, we developed a dual-process phylogenetic molecular clock that-inferring a rate of ~6 APOBEC3 mutations per year-estimates that MPXV has been circulating in humans since 2016. These observations of sustained MPXV transmission present a fundamental shift to the perceived paradigm of MPXV epidemiology as a zoonosis and highlight the need for revising public health messaging around MPXV as well as outbreak management and control.

The imperative for quality control programs in Monkeypox virus DNA testing by PCR: CIBERINFEC quality control.

To evaluate molecular assays for Mpox diagnosis available in various clinical microbiology services in Spain through a quality control (QC) approach. A total of 14 centers from across Spain participated in the study. The Reference Laboratory dispatched eight serum samples and eight nucleic acid extracts to each participating center. Some samples were spiked with Mpox or Vaccinia virus to mimic positive samples for Mpox or other orthopox viruses. Participating centers provided information on the results obtained, as well as the laboratory methods used. Among the 14 participating centers seven different commercial assays were employed, with the most commonly used kit being LightMix Modular Orthopox/Monkeypox (Mpox) Virus (Roche®). Of the 12 centers conducting Mpox determinations, concordance ranged from 62.5% (n = 1) to 100% (n = 11) for eluates and from 75.0% (n = 1) to 100% (n = 10) for serum. Among the 10 centers performing Orthopoxvirus determinations, a 100% concordance was observed for eluates, while for serum, concordance ranged from 87.5% (n = 6) to 100% (n = 4). Repeatedly, 6 different centers reported a false negative in serum samples for Orthopoxvirus diagnosis, particularly in a sample with borderline Ct = 39. Conversely, one center, using the TaqMan™ Mpox Virus Microbe Detection Assay (Thermo Fisher), reported false positives in Mpox diagnosis for samples spiked with vaccinia virus due to cross-reactions. We observed a positive correlation of various diagnostic assays for Mpox used by the participating centers with the reference values. Our results highlight the significance of standardization, validation, and ongoing QC in the microbiological diagnosis of infectious diseases, which might be particularly relevant for emerging viruses.

Did anonymity in self-administered questionnaires improve disclosure of sensitive information during the 2022 mpox outbreak in England? An observational study.

BACKGROUND: Between May 6, 2022, and Jan 16, 2023, 3555 mpox cases were reported in England, predominantly in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Initially, the UK Health Security agency administered questionnaires to laboratory-detected cases via telephone calls. From June, 2022, cases were requested by text or email to complete the questionnaire online, with optional anonymous completion. To inform future approaches, we assess whether anonymity improved disclosure of sensitive information. METHODS: In this observational study we analysed questionnaire data completed by people with a laboratory-detected case of mpox. We included questionnaires that were completed from May 25, 2022, to Jan 16, 2023, and restricted them to anonymous or identifiable self-completed responses. Questionnaires with forename, surname, and birth date, or an ID emailed to participants, which therefore could link to laboratory data, were considered identifiable. Questionnaires without any personal identifiable information were considered anonymous. We compared the responses to seven sensitive risk factor or exposure questions using Pearson's χ2. FINDINGS: All 3555 people diagnosed with mpox infection in England were invited to complete the questionnaire through either phone call or web link.We obtained 1075 (30%) completed questionnaires, with a response rate decreasing from 45% in May to 20% in July 2022. We included 531 self-completed questionnaires in this analysis, of which 259 (49%) were anonymous and 272 (51%) were identifiable. The median age of participants was 39 years, with 514 (97%) men, 12 (2%) women, and five (1%) other. The largest ethnic groups were white (79%; n=422) and mixed or multiple ethnic groups (9%; n=47). Results of all seven questions were similar: 98% (n=254/259) of anonymous and 97% (n=265/272) of identifiable cases answered all seven questions, 49% (n=127) and 54% (n=147) reported a sexually transmitted infection diagnosis in the past 12 months (p=0·2), 24% (n=63) and 27% (n=73) reported ten or more sexual partners in the past 3 months (p=0·8), and 15% (n=38) and 18% (n=50) reported knowing another person with mpox infection (p=0·5), respectively. INTERPRETATION: Transitioning to self-completed questionnaires resulted in reduced uptake, although optional anonymity possibly prevented a steeper drop. Anonymity did not appear to affect reporting of sensitive information, specifically of sexual behaviours or history associated with mpox risk, which reinforces results of previous literature. Our interpretation is limited, however, by relatively low questionnaire uptake, and by only analysing reported rather than true risk. The decision to implement anonymous questionnaires should therefore weigh the potential benefits of increased uptake against the disadvantage of restricted data linkage. FUNDING: None.

Mpox global outbreak: update in epidemiology, clinical spectrum and considerations in prevention and treatment.

Mpox is the most prevalent Orthopoxvirus infection in humans. Several clinical characteristics of mpox distinguish this disease from other rash illnesses. Complications are not uncommon. New therapeutics and vaccines are likely to change the course of the disease, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Clinicians must ensure that access to treatment and prevention measures are guaranteed especially in this particular population. This review exposes the epidemiology, clinical spectrum and updated considerations in treatment and prevention within the mpox global outbreak.

[Public health recommendations as microaggressions: monkeypox and LGBTQIA+ populations]. / As recomendações em saúde pública como microagressões: varíola dos macacos e populações LGBTQIA.

The article aims to analyze public health recommendations of the World Health Organization and the manifestations of its Director-General during the mpox epidemic addressed to men who have sex with men (MSM) in the light of microaggression as a category of analysis. The stigmatizing potential of statistical disclosure to a broad public that 98% of those infected were among MSM is questioned, as well as the use of the MSM category itself and the suggestion of partial or total sexual abstinence as a way to stop viral dissemination. The following are suggested as alternatives capable of simultaneously guaranteeing disease prevention policies without stigmatizing vulnerable groups, especially the LGBTQIA+ population: (i) differentiating the disclosures addressed to the general public from those aimed at populations predominantly contaminated and subject to a higher degree of social vulnerability; (ii) overcoming the use of the expression MSM, in communications aimed at a wide audience, to use the expression SGD (sex and gender diverse population), maintaining the procedure of recording, in scientific research and in medical forms, the gender identity and sexual orientation by self-declaration of patients; (iii) avoiding messages that negatively address sexuality, reinforce a majority sexual experience, and generate a socially punitive responsibility of the infected, thus excluding from the recommendations aimed at the broad public, the suggestion of partial sexual abstinence, related to the reduction of the number of partners, or total sexual abstinence, except for the cases of people in the active phase of infection or in the immediate period of recovery.

O artigo tem por objetivo analisar recomendações de saúde pública da Organização Mundial da Saúde e das manifestações de seu Diretor-geral durante a epidemia de varíola dos macacos endereçadas a homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) à luz da microagressão como categoria de análise. Questiona-se o potencial estigmatizador de divulgação estatística, para público amplo, de que 98% dos infectados estavam entre HSH, bem como a utilização da própria categoria HSH e da sugestão de abstinência sexual parcial ou total como forma de interromper a disseminação viral. Sugere-se como alternativas capazes de, simultaneamente, garantir políticas de prevenção de doenças sem estigmatizar grupos vulneráveis, especialmente a população LGBTQIA+: (i) diferenciar as divulgações voltadas ao público geral das destinadas às populações predominantemente contaminadas e sujeitas a maior grau de vulnerabilidade social; (ii) superar a utilização da expressão HSH para, nas comunicações destinadas à ampla audiência, utilizar a expressão SGD (população sexo e gênero diversa), mantendo-se o procedimento de registrar, nas pesquisas científicas e nos formulários de atendimento, a identidade de gênero e a orientação sexual por autodeclaração dos pacientes; (iii) evitar mensagens que abordem a sexualidade de modo negativo, reforcem uma vivência sexual majoritária e gerem uma responsabilização socialmente punitiva do infectado, excluindo, pois, das recomendações voltadas ao público amplo a sugestão de abstinência sexual parcial, relativa à redução do número de parceiros, ou de abstinência sexual total, exceto para os casos de pessoas na fase ativa da infecção ou no período imediato à recuperação.

Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar las recomendaciones de salud pública de la Organización Mundial de la Salud y las manifestaciones de su Director General durante la epidemia de viruela del mono, dirigidas a los hombres que tienen relaciones sexuales con hombres (HSH), a la luz de la microagresión como categoría de análisis. Se discute el potencial estigma de la divulgación estadística para una amplia audiencia por haber informado que el 98% de los infectados estaban entre HSH, así como el uso de la categoría HSH en sí y la sugerencia de abstinencia sexual parcial o total como forma de detener la propagación viral. Se sugieren como alternativas capaces de garantizar simultáneamente políticas de prevención de enfermedades sin estigmatizar a los grupos vulnerables, especialmente la población LGBTQIA+: (i) distinguir las divulgaciones dirigidas al público en general de las destinadas a poblaciones predominantemente contaminadas y sujetas a un mayor grado de vulnerabilidad social; (ii) dejar de usar el término HSH para, en comunicaciones dirigidas a la amplia audiencia, emplear el SGD (población sexo y género diversa), manteniendo el procedimiento de registro (en investigaciones científicas y formularios de atención) de la identidad de género y la orientación sexual por autodeclaración de los pacientes; (iii) evitar mensajes que tratan la sexualidad de manera negativa, que aseguran una experiencia sexual mayoritaria y que generan una rendición de cuentas socialmente punitiva de los infectados, excluyendo, por lo tanto, de las recomendaciones dirigidas al público en general la sugerencia de abstinencia sexual parcial, relativa a la reducción del número de parejas, o de abstinencia total, excepto en los casos de estadio activo de la infección o del período inmediato de recuperación.

Assessment of Knowledge, Perceptions, and Attitudes During the Global Mpox Outbreak in June 2022: A Cross-Sectional Study From the United Arab Emirates.

Objectives: To examine knowledge, worry, anxiety, and vaccine acceptance for mpox among UAE adults. Methods: An online survey, advertised on academic and social media platform in June 2022 collected data from 959 participants (aged 18 and above) on mpox beliefs, risks, knowledge, worry, anxiety, COVID-19 infection, vaccination, and willingness to receive the mpox vaccine. Bivariate and logistic regression analysis identified associations and predictors between variables. Results: 56% had optimal knowledge of mpox transmission and symptoms. 54% were worried, and 27% experienced anxiety related to the outbreak. Knowledge scores were higher among women, healthcare workers, and those with reliable information sources. High perceived infection risk, changes in precautionary measures, and belief in difficult treatment predicted more worry and anxiety. Higher worry and two or more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine predicted higher likelihood of taking the mpox vaccine. Conclusion: The UAE population showed low knowledge and high worry and anxiety during the global mpox outbreak. Increasing public awareness through targeted educational campaigns is vital. Promoting better understanding of infectious diseases, addressing concerns, and encouraging vaccine uptake can prepare for future outbreaks.

Exploring the key genomic variation in monkeypox virus during the 2022 outbreak.

BACKGROUND: In 2022, a global outbreak of monkeypox occurred with a significant shift in its epidemiological characteristics. The monkeypox virus (MPXV) belongs to the B.1 lineage, and its genomic variations that were linked to the outbreak were investigated in this study. Previous studies have suggested that viral genomic variation plays a crucial role in the pathogenicity and transmissibility of viruses. Therefore, understanding the genomic variation of MPXV is crucial for controlling future outbreaks. METHODS: This study employed bioinformatics and phylogenetic approaches to evaluate the key genomic variation in the B.1 lineage of MPXV. A total of 979 MPXV strains were screened, and 212 representative strains were analyzed to identify specific substitutions in the viral genome. Reference sequences were constructed for each of the 10 lineages based on the most common nucleotide at each site. A total of 49 substitutions were identified, with 23 non-synonymous substitutions. Class I variants, which had significant effects on protein conformation likely to affect viral characteristics, were classified among the non-synonymous substitutions. RESULTS: The phylogenetic analysis revealed 10 relatively monophyletic branches. The study identified 49 substitutions specific to the B.1 lineage, with 23 non-synonymous substitutions that were classified into Class I, II, and III variants. The Class I variants were likely responsible for the observed changes in the characteristics of circulating MPXV in 2022. These key mutations, particularly Class I variants, played a crucial role in the pathogenicity and transmissibility of MPXV. CONCLUSION: This study provides an understanding of the genomic variation of MPXV in the B.1 lineage linked to the recent outbreak of monkeypox. The identification of key mutations, particularly Class I variants, sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed changes in the characteristics of circulating MPXV. Further studies can focus on functional domains affected by these mutations, enabling the development of effective control strategies against future monkeypox outbreaks.

KNOWLEDGE OF MPOX AMONG PRIMARY HEALTH CARE (PHC) WORKERS IN JOS NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, PLATEAU STATE. NIGERIA.

Introduction: Mpox (MPX) is a viral zoonotic (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) disease caused by Mpox virus currently spreading across the world. Primary healthcare workers are fundamental in the provision of healthcare at the grassroots level. They are the front-line health managers who are expected to meet the needs of their community and prevent the spread of Mpox in Nigeria. This study aims to assess the knowledge of Mpox among Primary Health Care (PHC) Workers in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State. Methodology: The study is a descriptive cross-sectional study to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perception of Mpox among 152 Primary Health Care (PHC) workers in Jos North, LGA. A multistage sampling technique and a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire were used to collect data. Results: Majority of the participants, 118 (77.6%) were females, while 34 (22.4%) of the participants were males. Most of the participants 46 (30.3%) were within the age group of 31 to 40 years, Most Respondents had poor knowledge on Mpox in general 70 (46.1%), 19 (12.5%) demonstrated a good knowledge of Mpox; 63 (41.4%) had moderate knowledge in terms of clinical presentations, prevalence, and vaccine availability. Most respondents were knowledgeable with regards to Mpox being preventable (89.5%) and the knowledge of some preventive measures. Conclusion: Government and Primary Healthcare Development Agency (PHCDA) should intensify efforts to sensitize the PHC workers on Mpox infection through seminars and workshops, as well as on preventive measures already in place. The PHC workers should make a personal effort to learn more about Mpox infection, its prevention, and control.

Mpox knowledge, behaviours and barriers to public health measures among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in the UK: a qualitative study to inform public health guidance and messaging.

BACKGROUND: The 2022-23 mpox epidemic is the first-time sustained community transmission had been reported in countries without epidemiological links to endemic areas. During that period, the outbreak almost exclusively affected sexual networks of gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and people living with HIV. In efforts to control transmission, multiple public health measures were implemented, including vaccination, contact tracing and isolation. This study examines knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of mpox among a sample of GBMSM during the 2022-23 outbreak in the UK, including facilitators for and barriers to the uptake of public health measures. METHODS: Interviews were conducted with 44 GBMSM between May and December 2022. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Positive and negative comments pertaining to public health measures were collated in a modified version of a 'table of changes' to inform optimisations to public health messages and guidance. RESULTS: Most interviewees were well informed about mpox transmission mechanisms and were either willing to or currently adhering to public health measures, despite low perceptions of mpox severity. Measures that aligned with existing sexual health practices and norms were considered most acceptable. Connections to GBMSM networks and social media channels were found to increase exposure to sexual health information and norms influencing protective behaviours. Those excluded or marginalized from these networks found some measures challenging to perform or adhere to. Although social media was a key mode of information sharing, there were preferences for timely information from official sources to dispel exaggerated or misleading information. CONCLUSIONS: There are differential needs, preferences, and experiences of GBMSM that limit the acceptability of some mitigation and prevention measures. Future public health interventions and campaigns should be co-designed in consultation with key groups and communities to ensure greater acceptability and credibility in different contexts and communities.

Manejo desde atención primaria de la infección por la viruela del mono (MPOX) en humanos / Management from Primary Care of monkeypox infection (MPOX) in humans

La viruela del mono (MPOX) es una zoonosis vírica endémica en países de África occidental o central que esporádicamente se exporta a otras regiones. En mayo del 2022, comenzó a ocurrir un brote mundial de viruela MPOX en varias naciones de Europa y Norteamérica. La mayoría de los casos notificados se identificaron a nivel ambulatorio y afectaron principalmente a hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH). El contagio es por contacto estrecho con lesiones, líquidos corporales, secreciones respiratorias o con material contaminado, de persona o animal infectado. El cuadro clínico es similar a la viruela humana, con menor gravedad. Predomina la afectación cutánea leve y autolimitada tras dos a cuatro semanas. En HSH aparecen lesiones cutáneas atípicas debido a la manera de contagio. En ciertos grupos de riesgo pueden presentarse formas graves o complicaciones. La tasa de letalidad es de 3 a 6% según el clado responsable. El diagnóstico de sospecha se confirma con la detección del virus, a partir de exudados de las lesiones o costras, con técnicas de amplificación de ácidos nucleicos mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) convencional o en tiempo real. El manejo clínico en la mayoría de los casos se realiza desde atención primaria (AP), mediante el control de los principales síntomas. Entre 5 a 10% requieren un manejo hospitalario y existen algunas opciones de tratamiento antiviral específico. Las vacunas frente a la viruela humana protegen contra la MPOX y se utilizan como profilaxis pre y posexposición a personas de riesgo. Las medidas para reducir la exposición al virus, es la principal estrategia de prevención de la MPOX. Además, el papel del médico de familia es clave para controlar la propagación del virus de la MPOX mediante la vigilancia activa y el diagnóstico temprano de la enfermedad.(AU)

Monkeypox (MPOX) is a viral zoonosis endemic in West or Central African countries that is sporadically exported to another area. In May 2022, a global outbreak of MPOX smallpox began to occur in several countries in Europe and North America. Most of the reported cases are identified at the outpatient level and mainly affect men who have sex with men (MSM). Transmission is by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory secretions or contaminated material from an infected person or animal. The clinical picture is similar to human smallpox, with less severity. Mild, self-limiting skin involvement predominates after 2-4 weeks. In MSM, atypical skin lesions appear due to the mode of infection. Severe forms or complications may appear in certain risk groups. The case fatality rate is 3%-6% depending on the clade responsible. The diagnosis of suspicion is confirmed by detection of the virus from exudates of lesions or scabs, with nucleic acid amplification techniques by conventional or real-time PCR. Clinical management in most cases is performed in primary care (PC), by monitoring the main symptoms. Between 5-10% require hospital management and there are some specific antiviral treatment options. Human smallpox vaccines protect against MPOX and are used as pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis for persons at risk. Measures to reduce exposure to the virus are the main MPOX prevention strategy. In addition, the role of the family physician is key to controlling the spread of MPOX through active surveillance and early diagnosis of the disease.(AU)

Reversing Inequity in Mpox Vaccine Distribution, Fulton County, Georgia, June-September 2022.

Racial/ethnic disparities in the administration of mpox vaccine in Fulton County, Georgia, threatened to undermine the effectiveness of the response. To counteract this inequity, the Fulton County Board of Health partnered with local agencies serving Black and Latino men who have sex with men to coordinate efforts and reserve blocks of time for clients of these agencies to receive a vaccine. The disparities were reversed and approached equity with case rates. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(12):1263-1266. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307416).

Prevalence of Undiagnosed Monkeypox Virus Infections during Global Mpox Outbreak, United States, June-September 2022.

Since May 2022, mpox has been identified in 108 countries without endemic disease; most cases have been in gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men. To determine number of missed cases, we conducted 2 studies during June-September 2022: a prospective serologic survey detecting orthopoxvirus antibodies among men who have sex with men in San Francisco, California, and a retrospective monkeypox virus PCR testing of swab specimens submitted for other infectious disease testing among all patients across the United States. The serosurvey of 225 participants (median age 34 years) detected 18 (8.0%) who were orthopoxvirus IgG positive and 3 (1.3%) who were also orthopoxvirus IgM positive. The retrospective PCR study of 1,196 patients (median age 30 years; 54.8% male) detected 67 (5.6%) specimens positive for monkeypox virus. There are likely few undiagnosed cases of mpox in regions where sexual healthcare is accessible and patient and clinician awareness about mpox is increased.

Treatment of Mpox with Suspected Tecovirimat Resistance in Immunocompromised Patient, United States, 2022.

Reports of tecovirimat-resistant mpox have emerged after widespread use of antiviral therapy during the 2022 mpox outbreak. Optimal management of patients with persistent infection with or without suspected resistance is yet to be established. We report a successfully treated case of severe mpox in California, USA, that had suspected tecovirimat resistance.

Wastewater sequencing reveals community and variant dynamics of the collective human virome.

Wastewater is a discarded human by-product, but its analysis may help us understand the health of populations. Epidemiologists first analyzed wastewater to track outbreaks of poliovirus decades ago, but so-called wastewater-based epidemiology was reinvigorated to monitor SARS-CoV-2 levels while bypassing the difficulties and pit falls of individual testing. Current approaches overlook the activity of most human viruses and preclude a deeper understanding of human virome community dynamics. Here, we conduct a comprehensive sequencing-based analysis of 363 longitudinal wastewater samples from ten distinct sites in two major cities. Critical to detection is the use of a viral probe capture set targeting thousands of viral species or variants. Over 450 distinct pathogenic viruses from 28 viral families are observed, most of which have never been detected in such samples. Sequencing reads of established pathogens and emerging viruses correlate to clinical data sets of SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, and monkeypox viruses, outlining the public health utility of this approach. Viral communities are tightly organized by space and time. Finally, the most abundant human viruses yield sequence variant information consistent with regional spread and evolution. We reveal the viral landscape of human wastewater and its potential to improve our understanding of outbreaks, transmission, and its effects on overall population health.