Prevention Strategies for Mpox, including Vaccinating People at Risk
September 23, 2024
The CDC has issued a health alert regarding the ongoing clade I mpox outbreak in Central and Eastern Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In 2024, DRC reported over 21,000 suspected cases, its largest annual number on record. The outbreak involves both clade Ia and Ib, with clade Ib spreading regionally and associated with sexual contact. The CDC recommends travelers to affected areas be vaccinated if anticipating certain sexual exposures. While the U.S. continues to deal with clade II mpox, no domestic clade I cases have been identified. The CDC urges continued vigilance and adherence to current vaccine guidance.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Update regarding the ongoing outbreak of clade I monkeypox virus (MPXV) in Central and Eastern Africa. This alert provides critical information about the evolving situation and its potential implications.
Key points of the alert:
1. Outbreak Scale: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reported over 21,000 suspected clade I mpox cases in 2024, marking its largest annual number on record.
2. Transmission Patterns:
- Clade Ia: Impacting western DRC, particularly the rural Équateur Province.
- Clade Ib: Affecting eastern DRC and spreading through regional travel. Early data suggests a large proportion of adult cases are associated with sexual contact.
3. Global Spread: Clade Ib cases have been reported in countries where the virus is not normally found, indicating ongoing transmission.
4. Recommendations for Travelers: Those visiting DRC or other affected countries should be aware of associated risks and consider vaccination with two doses of JYNNEOS if anticipating certain sexual exposures.
5. U.S. Situation: While the U.S. continues to deal with an ongoing clade II mpox outbreak, no domestic cases of clade I mpox have been identified.
6. Vaccination Guidance: The CDC emphasizes following current vaccine guidance, which protects against both clade II and clade I MPXV.
7. Background:
- MPXV has two distinct genetic clades: I (endemic to Central Africa) and II (historically endemic to West Africa).
- Since December 2023, the CDC has recommended enhanced precautions for travelers to DRC (Level 2 Travel Health Notice), expanded to neighboring countries in August 2024.
- As of September 18, 2024, DRC has reported over 21,000 suspected cases and over 700 deaths.
This alert underscores the importance of continued vigilance, appropriate preventive measures, and international cooperation in addressing the evolving mpox situation, particularly as it impacts regions beyond its traditional endemic areas.