CDC Update: Mpox and Patients with Primary Immunodeficiency

Monkeypox — now called Mpox— poses an imminent threat to patients with primary immunodeficiency, according to the update to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations.

The latest health advisory on severe Mpox among individuals who are immunocompromised due to HIV and other conditions warns of the severe cases of Mpox manifesting in extensive rashes with secondary bacterial or fungal skin infections or tissue death, bowel blockage, and heart, lung, urinary, and neurological complications.

“Of the people with severe manifestations of monkeypox for whom CDC has been consulted, the majority have had HIV with CD4 counts <200 cells/ml, indicating substantial immunosuppression,” the advisory noted.

The key takeaway points are to seek out testing and treatment for Mpox from a health care provider if you have a compromised immune system, or have HIV, or develop a rash or illness consistent with Mpox. CDC also recommends tecovirimat (TPOXX) for individuals already infected with Mpox or at a high risk of severe disease.

CDC recommends taking steps to prevent getting Mpox by limiting close, intimate contact with someone who has Mpoxand getting timely vaccination to control the spread.

—Priyam Vora

Reference:
Update - Monkeypox may be a threat to immunocompromised on current trajectory. News release. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; October 04, 2022.

https://primaryimmune.org/news/update-monkeypox-may-be-threat-immunocompromised-current-trajectory