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- Presentation
Mpox (Monkeypox) and Emerging Infections
Description
In a session on Mpox (formerly monkeypox) and emerging infections, Dr. Kieran Leslie discussed the clinical and public health aspects of Mpox, highlighting its unexpected emergence in various countries, particularly within specific social contexts such as music festivals and saunas in Europe. He described the virus's classification within the Orthopox family and outlined the progression of its cases globally, noting that as of January 2023, nearly 93,000 cases had been reported in over 117 countries. The presentation focused on the disease's symptoms, which primarily include a distinctive skin rash, and the demographics of affected individuals, particularly men who have sex with men. Treatment options were emphasized, with tecoviramat being the key antiviral used since the disease outbreak, also mentioning the development of new vaccines suitable for high-risk populations. Additionally, Leslie shared insights into a case of Alaska pox, linking it to environmental changes affecting local wildlife. The session concluded with a brief overview of potential sexually transmitted tinea cases, demonstrating how emerging infections often coincide with changing social behaviors and environmental factors.
View moreConclusions
- Mpox has transitioned from being endemic to Central and West Africa to becoming a global health concern.
- Sexual activity, particularly among men who have sex with men, is a significant risk factor for mpox transmission.
- The outbreak of mpox has been linked to high-profile events, highlighting the need for public health interventions in social settings.
- The manifestations of mpox may differ from classic presentations, particularly with initial lesions often appearing in the genital region.
- A substantial proportion of mpox cases occur among individuals living with HIV, indicating a vulnerable population.
- Effective treatment options include the antiviral tecovirimat, which has shown efficacy in animal studies but requires further validation in human cases.
- Vaccination strategies, especially with the Jynneos vaccine, are critical for controlling outbreaks, particularly in at-risk populations.
- Alaskapox is identified as another emerging infection, with its own distinct epidemiological characteristics and a small number of reported cases.
- Further study is warranted to understand potential sexually transmitted infections associated with dermatophytes, as seen in recent cases in Paris.
- Rizk JG, Lippi G, Henry BM, Forthal DN, Rizk Y. Prevention and Treatment of Monkeypox. Drugs. 2022 Jun 28:1-7.
- Luchsinger l, et al. Sex Transm Infect 2015;91:493-496. doi:10.1136/sextrans-2015-052036
- François Chasset, Stéphane Barete, Samia Hamane, Mazzouz Benderdouche, Alicia Moreno-Sabater, Sexual Transmission of Trichophyton mentagrophytes Genotype VII Infections among Men Who Have Sex with Men. Emerging Infectious Diseases, July 2023.