2022-2023 Mpox

In early May 2022, cases were identified in over two dozen countries across Europe and North America, with cases first reported in the United Kingdom. On July 23, 2022, the WHO Director declared the monkeypox outbreak a PHEIC, with cases reaching over 70 countries, most of which are non-endemic. Unique to this monkeypox outbreak, there were a disproportionate number of cases identified in men who have sex with men due to sexual transmission of the virus. Response measures included risk communication and awareness among vulnerable populations and heightened disease surveillance. There were also targeted post-exposure and preventative immunization campaigns using previously licensed smallpox vaccines, Jynneos and ACAM2000. Drugs and therapeutics to treat orthopoxviruses, including monkeypox, were also available to patients. The WHO declared the PHEIC over on May 11, 2023, citing a decline in reported cases although transmission was still ongoing. The Emergency Committee on monkeypox emphasized the need to transition toward a long-term management strategy rather than emergency response.