Information For Health Providers
To discuss testing or report cases of suspected mpox, call CT DPH Epidemiology via phone at 860-509-7994, or 860-509-8000 if after hours. Mpox is a reportable disease in Connecticut.
Discussions of mpox should be incorporated into routine sexual health care. Mpox risk identification, detection, and prevention should become part of standard clinic workflows.
CLINICAL RECOGNITION AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING
Information on clinical presentation, including photos of mpox lesions, are available on CDC’s Clinical Recognition webpage.
Mpox diagnostic testing is available from multiple commercial laboratories and the Connecticut State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL). At this time, testing can only be performed by sampling lesions. Tips for specimen collection.
Testing at SPHL is available Monday–Friday with a daily cut-off time of 8AM. Specimens arriving after 8AM will be tested on the next scheduled testing day. To request urgent testing outside this schedule, call DPH Epidemiology at 860-509-7994, or 860-509-8000 after hours or on weekends. Instructions for collection and submission of specimens to SPHL here. Specimens must be accompanied by a completed requisition form.
CDC recommends testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases in every sexually active person in whom mpox is suspected, as mpox and sexually transmitted infections can occur concurrently.
TREATMENT
Refer to CDC clinical guidance for information on managing patients with mpox. Treatment should be considered for use in people with severe mpox disease or involvement of anatomic areas which might result in serious sequelae, or people who are at high risk for developing severe mpox disease. Tailored guidance is available for the following populations:
- People with severe mpox disease
- People with HIV
- People who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Children and adolescents
Most severe manifestations of mpox during this outbreak have been in people living with poorly controlled HIV. Early treatment and extension or escalation of therapy may be appropriate for patients at risk for severe mpox, particularly those with AIDS.
Clinicians should first consider tecovirimat (TPOXX) in treating mpox, which is available under an expanded access protocol. How to obtain tecovirimat (TPOXX) in Connecticut.
Additional therapeutics, including Vaccinia Immune Globulin Intravenous (VIGIV) and brincidofovir, can be accessed through the Strategic National Stockpile. To request access to these therapeutics, contact DPH Epidemiology at 860-509-7994, or 860-509-8000 after hours or on weekends.
More information on treatment for mpox is available:
VACCINATION AND POST-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS
The JYNNEOS vaccine is approved for the prevention of mpox and smallpox and is available to people who are at risk for exposure to mpox virus. ACIP recommends the two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine series for persons aged 18 years and older at risk of mpox during an mpox outbreak. Information about getting vaccinated in Connecticut is available here.
People may also be vaccinated within 14 days after exposure to mpox virus to help prevent disease (i.e., post-exposure prophylaxis).
Additional clinical considerations for mpox vaccination and evidence of vaccine effectiveness are available from CDC.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Guidance
Webinars
- Webinar July 8, 2022 - Connecticut DPH Provider Update for Mpox (slides)
- Webinar October 6, 2022 - Situational Update for Clinicians about Severe Mpox Virus Infections (CDC)
- Webinar August 11, 2022 - CDC and FDA Update: Interim Clinical Considerations for Monkeypox Vaccination
- Mpox: Updates on Testing, Vaccination & Treatment (CDC/IDSA)
- Mpox in the U.S.: An Update for Clinicians and the LGBTQ+ Community
Go To: Mpox Data | Mpox Vaccination | Information for Vaccine Providers | Mpox Main