WV Health Advisory #221 WV Mpox Outbreak Update
Since May of 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been tracking cases of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) across the United States. The outbreak in the U.S. is mostly associated within a defined subpopulation, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Mpox has two distinct genetic clades (subtypes). Historically, mpox has been uncommon in the U.S, but now Clade II has been circulating in the U.S. and in other countries outside of its endemic area of West Africa. Clade I is generally known to cause more severe illness and death. There has been cases of sexually associated human-to-human transmission of Clade I spreading in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), but there have been no cases of Clade I reported in the U.S. While there is currently no risk for Clade I mpox in the U.S. at this time, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of Clade I mpox in travelers who have been in DRC.
As of March 5, 2024, there have been 32,125 cases of mpox Clade II reported in the United States. Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) of the JYNNEOS vaccine to protect against mpox in 2022, cases have declined. However, in the fall of 2023 some states have reported an increase in cases. West Virginia has reported 12 cases of mpox in 2022, zero cases in 2023, and one case in 2024 (as of 4/15/24).
With the recent increase in cases across the U.S., providers everywhere are encouraged to re-educate
themselves on the signs and symptoms of mpox so they can better identify and diagnose cases and encourage high-risk patients to get vaccinated now that JYNNEOS is FDA-approved and has proven to be an effective prevention strategy.
Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department
1500 Chapline Street, Room 106
Wheeling, WV 26003
(Get Directions)
Howard Gamble, MPH, LHA
Administration
(304) 234-3682
(304) 830-0420
[email protected]
Elizabeth Fowler, RN, BSN
Nursing Director
(304) 234-3682
[email protected]
Lock Johnson, RS
Chief Inspector-Environmental
(304) 234-3682
[email protected]
Savannah Lowe, MS, RD, LD
Nutrition Director
(304) 234-3888
[email protected]
Wayland Harris, EMT-P
Threat Preparedness Director
(304) 234-3682
[email protected]
Crystal Bauer, RN
Project HOPE Director
(304) 639-7443
[email protected]
Posted 04/15/24
Ohio County DEA Rx (Prescription) Take Back Day will take place on April 27th from 10AM-2PM at the Mt. De Chantal Kroger and Elm Grove Pharmacy.
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