Response to New Strain of MPOX in the United States
State and federal health agencies in the United States are preparing to respond to a new strain of mpox with fewer resources compared to the last outbreak in 2022. The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency of international concern over the new strain, known as clade 1b, which is more severe than the previous outbreak. Health officials are leaning on past lessons but face challenges due to the privatization of the mpox vaccine and limited resources.
Key Points
- New strain of mpox, clade 1b, is more severe than the previous outbreak.
- Health departments are reassessing vaccination strategies due to budget constraints.
- Federal pandemic preparedness law expired in 2023 but some provisions were extended until the end of 2024.
Pros
- Health agencies are already armed with mpox vaccines and treatments, unlike in the 2022 outbreak.
Cons
- Limited resources and privatization of the mpox vaccine pose challenges in responding to the new strain.