Monitoring and Characteristics of Mpox Contacts, Virginia, USA, May–November 2022

TL;DR

This study examines mpox contact tracing in Virginia, showing how monitoring and vaccination helped manage the outbreak.

Contribution

The study provides real-time data tools and insights for managing mpox and future emerging diseases.

Findings

Mpox developed in 2.8% of traced contacts, with no cases among healthcare workers.

Vaccination occurred after exposure for most, with a median of 8 days from exposure to vaccination.

The implemented system provided crucial data for public health responses.

Abstract

During 2022, a global outbreak of mpox resulted primarily from human-to-human contact. The Virginia Department of Health (Richmond, VA, USA) implemented a contact tracing and symptom monitoring system for residents exposed to monkeypox virus, assessed their risk for infection, and offered interventions as needed. Among 991 contacts identified during May 1–November 1, 2022, import records were complete for 943 (95.2%), but 99 (10.0%) were not available for follow-up during symptom monitoring. Mpox developed in 28 (2.8%) persons; none were healthcare workers exposed at work (n = 275). Exposure risk category and likelihood of developing mpox were strongly associated. A total of 333 persons received >1 dose of JYENNOS (Bavarian Nordic, https://www.bavarian-nordic.com) vaccine, most (n = 295) administered after virus exposure. Median time from exposure to vaccination was 8 days. Those data tools provided crucial real-time information for public health responses and can be used as a framework for other emerging diseases.

Figures