Eight days ago the city of Chicago released a HAN (Health Alert Network) Alert on a cluster (n=13) of symptomatic Mpox cases where the majority (69%) had already received two doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine.
Thus far, I've not seen any indication that the Mpox strains in these Chicago cases differ significantly from previous cases, although I would imagine a complete analysis is underway.
Accelerated evolution of the virus, now that it is circulating widely in non-endemic regions, has already been documented (see 2022 outbreak of human mpox: Dissemination and evolution dynamic), and will no doubt continue.
On Monday of this week the CDC released a nationwide HAN Update (see CDC HAN: Potential Risk for New Mpox Cases), which described this outbreak, and provided guidance for clinicians and public health officials (see excerpt below):
The JYNNEOS vaccine, which was first approved in 2019, was never expected to be 100% protective against Mpox, and last December the CDC reported preliminary vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates (69% with 2 doses, 37% with 1 dose).Although vaccine-induced immunity is not complete, vaccination continues to be one of the most important prevention measures. CDC expects new cases among previously vaccinated people to occur, but people who have completed their two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine series may experience less severe symptoms than those who have not.
Spring and summer season in 2023 could lead to a resurgence of mpox as people gather for festivals and other events. The purpose of this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Update is to inform clinicians and public health agencies about the potential for new clusters or outbreaks of mpox cases and to provide resources on clinical evaluation, treatment, vaccination, and testing.
In light of these recent developments, the CDC will hold a COCA Call tomorrow (May 18th) on their recommendations on dealing with a potential surge in Mpox cases this spring and summer.
These presentations are often technical, and are of greatest interest to clinicians and healthcare providers, but also may be of interest to the general public.
As always, If you are unable to attend the live presentation, these (and past) webinars are archived and available for later viewing at this LINK.
Overview
During this COCA Call, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will review recommendations for mpox testing, vaccination, treatment, and prevention. With new mpox cases occurring in some people who are vaccinated, it is important that clinicians quickly identify cases to limit a possible mpox resurgence this summer in the United States.
Presenter
John T. Brooks, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Division of HIV Prevention
National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Call Materials
None at this time
Call Details
When:
Thursday, May 18, 2023,
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET
Webinar Link:
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1602851092
Webinar ID: 160 285 1092
Passcode: 898161
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