The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) released a health advisory on March 25, 2024. Below is a summary.
- The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has been tracking increasing cases of mpox since December 2023 and there is concern for a further increase in cases as the summer approaches.
- Currently there is an ongoing outbreak of a potentially more severe version of mpox called Clade I mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) which has raised concern for the potential of importation of Clade I mpox to the USA.
- The DOH is recommending that providers screen all patients with a suspected diagnosis of mpox for travel to the DRC or recent contact with someone who has traveled to the DRC. Providers should contact their local health department or the DOH at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258) to arrange for expedited testing at DOH’s Bureau of Laboratories (BOL) for anyone meeting these criteria.
- Providers should be aware that Clade I mpox has specific, more stringent infection control procedures. Healthcare personnel (HCP) who evaluate and provide care to patients with mpox and laboratory personnel should continue to follow existing CDC guidance on infection prevention and control (IPC) for mpox.
- Therapeutics, such as TPOXX, are effective against both Clade I and Clade II mpox infections for the treatment of severe mpox infections and for certain high-risk groups.
- JYNNEOS vaccine remains the best way to prevent mpox infections from both Clade I and Clade II mpox. The CDC continues to recommend people with risk factors for mpox be vaccinated with two doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine.
- The DOH encourages providers with additional questions or concerns to contact their local health department or the DOH at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).
Click here to view the entire health advisory on the PADOH website. (PDF)
