Healthcare Professionals

Page last updated 12/9/2024.

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Consider mpox as a possible diagnosis in patients with epidemiologic characteristics and lesions or other clinical signs and symptoms consistent with mpox, regardless of previous vaccination against mpox or previous MPXV infection.
Have a heightened suspicion for clade I MPXV for patients with mpox-like symptoms or probable/confirmed MPXV infection who have been in affected Central or Eastern African countries in the previous 21 days and/or have had close or intimate contact with symptomatic people who have been in those countries. An up-to-date list of countries affected by clade I outbreaks is available on the CDC website.
Follow infection prevention and control recommendations for all patients with mpox symptoms.
Immediately report probable, suspected, and confirmed clade I MPXV cases to the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency as soon as possible and no later than 24 hours after diagnosis by submitting a Confidential Morbidity Report (by fax to (619) 692-8541 or by secure e-mail to phs-hshb-stdreportingfax.hhsa@sdcounty.ca.gov).
Test for clade I MPXV by submitting clinical specimens for clade-specific MPXV testing if clade I MPXV is suspected. General (i.e., clade-nonspecific) MPXV testing is available through commercial laboratories and the San Diego County Public Health Laboratory (SDCPHL). If clade I MPXV is suspected, refer to SDCPHL Guidelines to obtain approval for clade-specific MPXV testing and for detailed instructions on sample collection, storage, and transport.
Encourage vaccination for people who are vulnerable to mpox or who request the vaccine, particularly for people with weakened immune systems due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or other conditions, as they are at risk for severe disease.
- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends vaccination for people aged 18 years or older who may be at risk for mpox, which now includes people who are traveling to countries with ongoing person-to-person transmission of clade I MPXV who anticipate sexual activities, with two doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine (at least 28 days apart).
- JYNNEOS may also be given as post-exposure prophylaxis to asymptomatic persons ideally within four days but up to 14 days after exposure if they have not already received two doses of the vaccine or been previously infected with MPXV.
- Further information regarding vaccine eligibility is available through the CDC website.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) Study of Tecovirimat for Human Monkeypox Virus (STOMP) clinical trail has ended and is no longer enrolling.
Tecovirimat is still available through the Expanded Access Investigational New Drug (EA-IND) protocol held by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please refer to the CDC website for more information.
For assistance obtaining tecovirimat, contact the Medical Health Operational Area Coordination (MHOAC) Program (MHOAC.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov).