The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Health Update to provide clinicians with new information about managing monkeypox in patients requiring therapeutics. In this update, the CDC does the following:
- Notifies healthcare providers about two cases of laboratory-confirmed tecovirimat resistance. Both patients had immunocompromising conditions and progressive, severe manifestations of monkeypox, and received prolonged courses (>14 days) of tecovirimat.
- Highlights therapeutics, including cidofovir, brincidofovir, and vaccinia immune globulin intravenous (VIGIV), each of which can be administered concurrently with tecovirimat for certain patients with (or at high risk for) severe monkeypox.
- Encourages testing for tecovirimat resistance and pharmacokinetics for public health surveillance purposes in patients who have persistent or progressive monkeypox after completing 14 days of tecovirimat.
- Encourages diagnostic testing for monkeypox, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections in every sexually active person for whom monkeypox is suspected
In LA County, clinicians must report all monkeypox infections, hospitalizations, and deaths within one working day. In addition, clinicians asked to call the LAC DPH consultation line if a hospitalized patient is worsening clinically, such as being admitted to the ICU. LAC DPH will provide clinical consultation and access to additional therapeutic options. Visit the LAC DPH Monkeypox Provider Hub for local resources: ph.lacounty.gov/monkeypoxhcp.
