Cross-posted from: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

On Friday, November 11, 2022, CDC issued in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) new information on epidemiologic features of monkeypox cases reported during May 17–October 6, 2022, and their implications for the public health response.

What is already known about this topic?

An earlier analysis of 2,891 U.S. monkeypox cases found that up to 99% occurred in men, 94% of whom reported male-to-male sexual contact.

What is added by this report?

CDC’s emergency response focused on surveillance, laboratory testing, medical countermeasures, and education. A total of 26,384 U.S. monkeypox cases were reported during May 17–October 6, 2022. Among 59% of persons with data on gender and recent sexual or close intimate contact, 70% reported recent male-to-male sexual contact. Black and Hispanic persons continue to be disproportionately affected.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Public health monkeypox prevention efforts, including vaccination, should continue to prioritize gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, Black and Hispanic persons, and persons who are immunocompromised.

Read the complete report here, which also includes information on people with known HIV status. Please visit CDC.gov for the latest information on monkeypox in the U.S.