Texas continues to report ongoing transmission of mpox caused by clade II monkeypox virus (MPXV), consistent with national trends. Preliminary surveillance data indicate a potential increase in mpox cases in 2024. Additionally, an outbreak of mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) caused by clade I MPXV may raise the risk of transmission and severe disease in the United States. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) recommends that healthcare professionals, public health officials, and the public take measures to detect and prevent the spread of mpox.
Healthcare providers are advised to monitor for signs and symptoms of mpox, consider it as a possible diagnosis, conduct testing when necessary, and provide recommended vaccinations as appropriate. Public health organizations should continue surveillance and community outreach efforts for mpox. Texans are encouraged to protect themselves from the disease by getting vaccinated and limiting contact with sick individuals.
Following a significant global outbreak in 2022, U.S. mpox case counts decreased but never reached zero. Since October 2023, there has been a slight increase in U.S. cases, with steady reporting from October 1, 2023, to June 1, 2024. In Texas alone, there have been 152 reported cases through the first 24 weeks of 2024 compared to 86 during the same period in 2023—a 76.7% increase based on preliminary data as of June 17, 2024.
All current U.S. mpox cases are due to clade II MPXV; however, an ongoing outbreak caused by clade I MPXV is occurring in the DRC. Clade I MPXV is suspected to cause more severe disease and be more transmissible than clade II MPXV.
Clinicians play a crucial role in identifying and treating mpox cases. DSHS advises clinicians to familiarize themselves with mpox symptoms, specimen collection procedures, laboratory testing protocols, and treatment options. Clinicians should consider mpox in patients presenting with diffuse or localized rash or those at higher risk for the disease and confirm diagnoses through laboratory testing.
Laboratory testing is available at many commercial and hospital laboratories as well as local health departments. Consideration for clade I MPXV should be heightened for patients who have traveled from endemic regions such as the DRC within three weeks before illness onset.
The CDC recently conducted a Clinical Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) webinar on this topic; recordings are accessible online.
Tecovirimat (TPOXX), an antiviral medication approved by the FDA for smallpox treatment under CDC’s Expanded Access Investigational New Drug protocol against mpox is available primarily through enrollment programs like STOMP trial or EA-IND eligibility via local health departments.
Vaccination recommendations include administering two doses of JYNNEOS vaccine spaced four weeks apart for people aged ≥18 years with risk factors unless previously infected or already vaccinated twice against mpox.
Public health entities must promptly investigate reported cases while conducting education campaigns targeting healthcare providers/facilities/community organizations about current situations surrounding Mpox outbreaks/risks/prevention methods/vaccinations/testing protocols/treatment options/surveillance updates etc.,
Texans can protect themselves by avoiding close skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals until they recover fully after completing prescribed treatments successfully without relapses/reinfections subsequently,
For further information on these topics please refer official resources provided below:
