Monkeypox Clinical and Policy Update
This is the eighth 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
Monkeypox Updates

In a Sept. 22 New York Times article, “Officials Hopeful That Monkeypox Can Be Eliminated in the U.S.," federal health officials noted that cases are declining nationally, and it’s expected that, over time, they would drop to a manageable rate, contained by effective vaccination efforts. However, officials note they are not there yet, with efforts to close the racial gap in vaccination against monkeypox — a major goal of the Biden administration. Click here to learn more.

The Sept. 16 CDC MMWR “Health Care Personnel Exposures to Subsequently Laboratory-Confirmed Monkeypox Patients — Colorado, 2022” reviewed that the risk of acquiring monkeypox among U.S. HCP after exposure to patients with monkeypox is very low. The authors reinforced the importance of using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and post-exposure prophylaxis vaccination when necessary. Click here to learn more.

On Sept. 13, the Los Angeles County Dept. of Health announced the first U.S. healthcare worker to be infected with monkeypox after worksite exposure. Click here to learn more.

In a Sept. 15 press release, the CDC announced a new Monkeypox Vaccine Equity Pilot Program to support innovative, non-traditional ways of addressing multi-factorial disparities in vaccination. Click here to learn more.

A Sept. 13 Nature article, “How deadly is monkeypox? What scientists know," notes that symptoms of severe disease differ from previous outbreaks with a death rate lower than expected bases on historical data. However, due to underreporting and limited testing in resource-poor settings, the true death rate may be higher. Click here to learn more.

The CDC Sept. 22 Partner Update webinar contained a report on cases of severe monkeypox disease, almost all occurring in PWH who have poor virological suppression. Previous CDC guidance for treating PWH who acquire or are exposed to monkeypox stressed the importance of post-exposure prophylaxis and antiviral treatment. Click here to learn more.

A Sept. 22 Washington Post article describes several incidents of harassment and stigma faced by people with chronic skin conditions that have been confused with monkeypox lesions. Click here to learn more.