There has been a recent cluster of new Mpox cases in Chicago, and there are concerns about re-emergence of Mpox infections over the summer. Local Health Departments are encouraged to ramp up their Mpox prevention messaging and services. This newsletter reviews current information, resources, and tools pertinent to Mpox prevention and treatment, and includes communication guides for Local Health Departments.
Updated Communications Guides for Local Health Departments this Summer:
- Get Healthy and Ready for Summer 2023: This CDC resource provides resources for LGBTQ+ community members to stay healthy during event-filled summers.
- Greater Than HIV, Free Downloadable Graphics and Outreach Materials for Mpox: Greater Than HIV offers an array of free downloadable digital graphics and other outreach materials available in English and Spanish.
- PowerPoint Slides from the CDC and National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD)‘s Mpox Message Testing with Unvaccinated GBMSM Presentation
Cases continue to occur in vaccinated people; however, the vaccine reduces severity of symptoms as well as hospitalizations. It’s crucial that local health departments target the most ‘at risk’ populations, particularly gay/bisexual men in BIPOC communities.
Other Resources:
- Breakthrough Monkeypox Cases Seen Weeks After Second Jynneos Dose | The Transmission | University of Nebraska Medical Center (unmc.edu)
- QUICK TAKE MAY 2023 COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS MAKE PUBLIC HEALTH MORE EFFECTIVE: LEARNING FROM THE 2022 MPOX OUTBREAK RESPONSE (georgetown.edu)
- Mpox: Resources and Tools for Existing State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Grant Recipients (cdc.gov)