COCA Now

March 9, 2023

CDC Releases Interim Clinical Treatment Considerations for Severe Manifestations of Mpox

While the U.S. mpox outbreak has slowed considerably, severe manifestations continue to occur. Severe manifestations include ocular lesions, neurologic complications, myopericarditis, complications associated with mucosal (oral, rectal, genital, and urethral) lesions, and uncontrolled viral spread due to moderate or severe immunocompromise. Some deaths have also been reported, particularly among people living with advanced HIV. Therapeutic medical countermeasures (i.e., tecovirimat, brincidofovir, cidofovir, trifluridine ophthalmic solution, and vaccinia immune globulin intravenous) have been used to treat severe mpox.

On March 3, 2023, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) titled “Interim Clinical Treatment Considerations for Severe Manifestations of Mpox—United States, February 2023.” The report provides updated clinical treatment considerations about using therapeutic countermeasures to treat severe mpox cases. Until data gaps are filled through randomized controlled studies and other carefully controlled research studies, this MMWR represents the best available information about human mpox treatment.

CDC clinician consultants remain available 24/7 through the CDC Emergency Operations Center (770-488-7100) and can assist with complicated cases.

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