What is already known about this topic? Monkeypox, a rare disease caused by infection with Monkeypox Virus, is endemic in several Central and West African countries. Cases in persons outside Africa are often linked to international travel or imported animals.

What is added by this report? CDC is tracking multiple reported U.S. monkeypox cases, and monitoring cases in persons in countries without endemic monkeypox and with no known travel links to an endemic area; current Epidemiology suggests person-to-person community spread.

What are the implications for public health practice? CDC urges health departments, clinicians, and the public to remain vigilant, institute appropriate infection Prevention and control measures, and notify public health authorities of suspected cases to reduce disease spread.

On May 17, 2022, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) Laboratory Response Network (LRN) laboratory confirmed the presence of orthopoxVirus DNA via real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from lesion swabs obtained from a Massachusetts resident. OrthopoxViruses include Monkeypox Virus, the causative agent of monkeypox. Subsequent real-time PCR tTesting at CDC on May 18 confirmed that the patient was infected with the West African clade of Monkeypox Virus. Since then, confirmed cases* have been reported by nine states. In addition, 28 countries and territories,† none of which has endemic monkeypox, have reported laboratory-confirmed cases. On May 17, CDC, in coordination with state and local jurisdictions, initiated an emergency response to identify, monitor, and investigate additional monkeypox cases in the United States This response has included releasing a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory, developing interim public health and clinical recommendations, releasing guidance for LRN tTesting, hosting clinician and public health partner outreach calls, disseminating health communication messages to the public, developing protocols for use and release of medical countermeasures, and facilitating delivery of vaccine postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) and antivirals that have been stockpiled by the U.S. government for preparedness and response purposes. On May 19, a call center was established to provide guidance to states for the evaluation of possible cases of monkeypox, including recommendations for clinical Diagnosis and orthopoxVirus tTesting. The call center also gathers information about possible cases to identify interjurisdictional linkages. As of May 31, this investigation has identified 17§ cases in the United States; most cases (16) were diagnosed in persons who identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men (MSM). Ongoing investigation suggests person-to-person community Transmission, and CDC urges health departments, clinicians, and the public to remain vigilant, institute appropriate infection Prevention and control measures, and notify public health authorities of suspected cases to reduce disease spread. Public health authorities are identifying cases and conducting investigations to determine possible sources and prevent further spread. This activity was reviewed by CDC and conducted consistent with applicable federal law and CDC policy.¶

Suggested citation for this article: Minhaj FS, Ogale YP, Whitehill F, et al. Monkeypox Outbreak — Nine States, May 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. ePub: 3 June 2022. mm7123e1.htm?s_cid=mm7123e1_w

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