Monkeypox Clinical and Policy Update |
This is the third in a series of clinical and policy updates on the monkeypox virus. We also have a page dedicated to monkeypox updates on our website. Check back for relevant webinars and resources. The CDC Monkeypox website is also a good resource for updated information related to monkeypox.
Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:
- Direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs or body fluids from a person with monkeypox
- Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding or towels) and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox
- Contact with respiratory secretions
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Monkeypox Updates
On Aug. 9, the CDC announced an authorized alternative regimen for Jynneos vaccine. The use of intradermal injection using 0.1ml was shown to be immunologically non-inferior to the standard subcutaneous dose. Use of the alternative approach could increase the number of available Jynneos vaccine doses by up to five-fold. Learn more.
On Aug. 8, The Lancet published an article, "Clinical presentation and virological assessment of confirmed human monkeypox virus cases in Spain: a prospective observational cohort study." In it, Tarín-Vicente and colleagues describe that genital, perianal and oral lesions led to complications including proctitis and tonsillitis. The authors cautioned that clinicians should have a low threshold for clinical suspicion of monkeypox due to the presence of atypical manifestations. Read the full article.
On Aug. 10, The Lancet published a correspondence, "Evidence of human-to-dog transmission of monkeypox virus." It describes a case of PCR confirmed monkeypox disease in a dog, with skin and mucosal lesions, who lives with individuals testing positive for monkeypox. Based on this, the CDC updated its guidance and recommends that persons with monkeypox should avoid contact with animals, including pets. Read the correspondence.
On Aug. 11, Stat News published an article, "New Data from Several States Show Racial Disparities in Monkeypox Infections." Public health experts note that the national data may not fully reflect disparities because not all states are promptly reporting full, quality data. Dr. Joia Mukherjee, chief medical officer for Partners in Health, remarked, “We saw it with HIV among marginalized communities in the 1980s, just as we saw the tepid response to COVID-19 that disproportionately impacted people of color and those living in poverty.” Read the full article.
An Aug. 12 World Health Organization (WHO) news release, “Monkeypox: experts give virus variants new names,” reported an agreement on new names for monkeypox virus variants in alignment with current best practices to identify viruses, variants and related diseases with names that avoid causing offense to any cultural, social, national, regional, professional or ethnic groups, and minimize any negative impact or stigmatizing perceptions. Read the full release.
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Upcoming Webinars
ANAC will host a national webinar on Aug. 25, “Clinical Conversations," featuring a moderated panel discussion with clinicians treating monkeypox in their communities, describing common and atypical presentations and treatment outcomes. Registration and more details forthcoming.
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ANAC believes in leading with science and evidence. Health misinformation is a threat to public health. We note misinformation that is circulating so that you may address it with your patients and clients if it comes up. Currently, there is a myth circulating that a person can acquire monkeypox virus from COVID-19 vaccines. This is untrue. COVID-19 and monkeypox are two distinct, unrelated viruses and COVID-19 vaccines do not contain live virus. Click here for more information.
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