Monkeypox Clinical and Policy Update
This is the fifth 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

On Aug. 30, the White House released new plans to support monkeypox prevention efforts at large LGBTQI events and efforts to surge vaccine availability to promote equity in underserved communities. Click here to learn more.

On Aug. 29, Texas State health officials announced the death of a “severely immunocompromised” person diagnosed with monkeypox. This is the first death reported in the U.S. Officials cautioned it is premature to assign a specific cause of death at this time. Click here to learn more.

On Aug. 29, the HHS announced it will invest $11 million in US-based production of the smallpox and monkeypox vaccine Jynneos to combat the spread of monkeypox. Click here to learn more.

Pivoting to smaller intradermal dosing for vaccination is helping to increase the supply of available vaccines while production is ramping up. However, controversy and questions continue about the effectiveness and unintended risks to this approach. Four recent articles examine some of these questions:

An Aug. 22 JAMA article, “Compassionate Use of Tecovirimat for the Treatment of Monkeypox Infection,” found good tolerance by patients but difficulty in distinguishing adverse effects from infection symptoms. NIAID announced a collaboration with the ACTG to begin enrollment of a randomized controlled trial of Tecovirimat, which will include persons living with HIV. Click here to learn more.

An Aug. 31 New York Times article, “Pain, Fear, Stigma: What People Who Endured Monkeypox Want You To Know,” described the experiences of seven men who were diagnosed with and are recovering from monkeypox. Click here to read the article.
ANAC believes in leading with science and evidence. Health misinformation is a threat to public health and should be addressed with patients and clients, should questions occur. In each update, we explore a myth or bit of misinformation that may be circulating:
  • Monkeypox, during this current outbreak, is not being transmitted through casual contact in public settings such as dressing rooms, toilets and transit. Click here to learn more.