Cases of mpox peaked in August 2022, but the outbreak is not over. CDC continues to receive reports of cases that reflect ongoing community transmission in the U.S. and internationally, and Virginia has had a recent increase in reported mpox cases.
- On February 12, 2024, CDC sent a message urging clinicians to remain diligent about taking thorough patient sexual histories and recommending vaccination to those who are eligible.
- As of April 16, 2024, 17 mpox cases have been reported to VDH this year; by comparison, in all of 2023, only 12 cases were reported. This recent increase in reported mpox cases in Virginia serves as a reminder for providers to continue to keep mpox in mind when evaluating patients and recommend JYNNEOS vaccine for people at risk. Please check the VDH mpox dashboard for the most up-to-date data.
VDH Provider Resources
- Mpox Preparedness Checklist for Healthcare Facilities (VDH)
- Mpox Information Sheet for Healthcare Providers (VDH)
- Incorporating Mpox into Sexual Health and HIV Care (VDH)
Previous Updates
On December 7, 2023, CDC issued a Health Alert Network Health Advisory in response to the first confirmed sexual transmission of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). DRC has experienced a large mpox outbreak with over 12,000 suspected cases and more than 500 deaths in 2023. Additionally, this cluster is the first documented sexual transmission of Clade I Monkeypox virus (MPXV), which is known to be more virulent than Clade II MPXV, the cause of the 2022–2023 mpox outbreak. There is substantial risk of Clade I MPXV spreading further to nearby countries and worldwide. To date, no cases of Clade I MPXV have been identified in the U.S.
CDC is urging clinicians to be on alert for new cases of mpox and to encourage vaccination for people at risk. If mpox is suspected, test even if the patient was previously vaccinated or had mpox. Clinicians should document travel history in patients suspected of having mpox and should contact the local health department if they’ve traveled to DRC in the 21 days before symptom onset so that clade-specific testing can be performed. Vaccines and treatments are expected to be effective for both Clade I and Clade II MPXV infections. Clinicians should also refamiliarize themselves with mpox symptoms, specimen collection, laboratory testing procedures, and treatment options. As of March 11, 2024, diagnostic samples and clinical waste can be managed as Category B infectious substances unless they contain or are contaminated with cultures of Clade I MPXV. For additional details, view the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) Situation Report: Mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
If you are evaluating a patient suspected to have mpox, immediately report the suspected case to the local health department (LHD) using the Confidential Morbidity Report Portal (Epi-1) or telephone, even if testing is being conducted at a commercial laboratory.
General Information
VDH Clinician Outreach
Mpox screening, prevention, and treatment should be incorporated into routine sexual health and HIV services to ensure all patients are screened for mpox, assessed for risk factors, counseled on prevention measures, and evaluated for testing and treatment, if indicated. VDH’s Incorporating Mpox into Sexual Health and HIV Care resource has more information.
CDC Clinician Outreach
- CDC Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) Now: CDC Urges Mpox Vaccination for Those Eligible Given Continued U.S. Mpox Cases (2/12/2024)
- CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory: Mpox Caused by Human-to-Human Transmission of Monkeypox Virus with Geographic Spread in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (1/10/2024)
- CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Update: Potential Risk for New Mpox Cases (5/15/2023)
- Previous Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisories (5/14/2023)
Testing
Commercial laboratory testing for mpox is available. VDH encourages providers to use commercial laboratories, but this testing is not free. The laboratories will bill private insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare for all testing performed. Providers may find the relevant CPT code for mpox virus testing on each commercial laboratory’s website. Providers who encounter any issues while trying to order testing should contact the laboratory’s client services.
Public health testing through the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) continues to be available at no cost for patients who meet clinical and epidemiologic criteria; providers should consult with their LHD about this testing.
Labs Conducting Testing and Supporting Information
- AMA Orthopoxvirus Pathology and Laboratory/Microbiology CPT Codes
- FDA Safety Communication: For Monkeypox Testing, Use Lesion Swab Samples to Avoid False Results
- How to Collect a Mpox Specimen for Diagnostic Testing (NETEC)
- Preparation and Collection of Specimens (CDC)
- Testing Patients for Mpox (CDC)
- U.S. DOT Safety Advisory Notice—Classification of MPXV Diagnostic Samples and Waste (3/11/24)
Infection Prevention & Control
Patient Evaluation and Education
Vaccine
Featured Resources
Last updated: April 16, 2024
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