2023-12-28 21:13:40
Mpox Outbreak: A Timeline of Events and Responses in the United States
In November 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) made the decision to rename the monkeypox virus as “mpox” to ensure a non-stigmatizing and non-offensive nomenclature. This decision came after collaborations with the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV).
Mpox is a virus that is closely related to smallpox and is known to cause pimple- or blister-like lesions, as well as flu-like symptoms and fever. While the disease is rarely fatal, it spreads through close contact and has been a cause of concern worldwide.
The virus has typically been found in West and Central Africa, with cases also being observed in Europe and the United States in recent years due to international travel and imported animals infected with the smallpox virus.
In the United States, an outbreak of mpox occurred in 2022, with more than 99% of cases reported among men who have sex with men. However, mpox is not generally considered a sexually transmitted disease.
The outbreak prompted various responses from health authorities. The timeline of events includes the development and distribution of a mpox vaccine, the declaration of states of emergency in New York, California, and Illinois, and the appointment of a national mpox coordinator by the Biden administration.
Tragically, the first death caused by mpox in the USA was confirmed in Los Angeles County, California, in September 2022.
The response to the outbreak also involved strategic vaccination plans, including the authorization of smaller doses of the mpox vaccine to stretch its limited supply. Additionally, the distribution of additional doses to communities where large LGBTQI+ events take place and the acceleration of the vaccine distribution schedule in certain areas were announced.
Finally, in October 2023, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended that certain high-risk individuals continue to receive routine vaccination as part of their sexual health care.
The outbreak of mpox in the United States has been a significant public health concern, resulting in a series of responses and measures. As of May 2023, the WHO has declared that the mpox outbreak is no longer a global health emergency, marking a potential turning point in the ongoing efforts to control the virus.
Source: edition.cnn.com]
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