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Wang J, Fu L, Meng H, Wu K, Han B, Lin Y, Zhang Y, Wang W, Zhang X, Zhang M, Wang B, Zhang W, Zou H, Qi X. Knowledge, concerns, and vaccine acceptance related to Mpox (Monkeypox) among university students in North and Northeast China: An online cross-sectional study. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2339922. [PMID: 38639480 PMCID: PMC11037288 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2339922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The growing number of Mpox cases in China has posed a challenge to public health. The prevalence of men who have sex with men behaviors among students has been consistently increasing each year in China, accompanied by a high frequency of unprotected anal sex. As crowded places, schools are highly likely to cause an Mpox outbreak among students through long-term close contact. Understanding university students' perceptions about Mpox and willingness to vaccinate play a vital role in implementing preventive measures in schools. This study aimed to assess knowledge, concerns, and vaccine acceptance toward Mpox among university students in North and Northeast China. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 3831 university students from seven universities in North and Northeast China between September 10 and September 25, 2023. This study found a relative insufficiency in Mpox knowledge among university students (71.60%), with less than half expressing concern about the Mpox outbreak (39.57%), and the majority exhibiting a positive attitude to vaccination (76.30%). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that a good knowledge level was associated with age, study discipline, education level, and a high level of concern about Mpox. Male, elderly, or highly educated participants had a low level of concern about Mpox. Participants with a high level of knowledge toward Mpox were more likely to have the vaccination willingness. This study might help governments and schools to understand students' Mpox perceptions and vaccination intentions, enabling them to implement effective measures in addressing the issue of inadequate understanding regarding Mpox among university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Wang
- Epidemiology and Endemic Disease Control Section, Chaoyang District Center for Diseases Prevention and Control of Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Leiwen Fu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Han Meng
- Epidemiology and Endemic Disease Control Section, Chaoyang District Center for Diseases Prevention and Control of Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Wu
- Epidemiology and Endemic Disease Control Section, Chaoyang District Center for Diseases Prevention and Control of Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Baihui Han
- Epidemiology and Endemic Disease Control Section, Chaoyang District Center for Diseases Prevention and Control of Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Lin
- Epidemiology and Endemic Disease Control Section, Chaoyang District Center for Diseases Prevention and Control of Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Epidemiology and Endemic Disease Control Section, Chaoyang District Center for Diseases Prevention and Control of Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Health Care Department, University of International Business and Economics Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohe Zhang
- Community Center, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Third Affiliated Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Prevention and Health Care, Beijing University of Technology Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bingyi Wang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weijie Zhang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huachun Zou
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Xiao Qi
- Epidemiology and Endemic Disease Control Section, Chaoyang District Center for Diseases Prevention and Control of Beijing, Beijing, China
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McLean J, Gunaratne S, Zucker J. Update on Mpox: What the Primary Care Clinician Should Know. Med Clin North Am 2024; 108:355-371. [PMID: 38331485 PMCID: PMC10853636 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Mpox is a viral infection, which primarily caused sporadic outbreaks in West and Central Africa until causing a global epidemic in 2022. The disease has disproportionately affected people with human immunodeficiency virus and men who have sex with men. Transmission is through close physical contact, including sexual contact. Infection presents with a characteristic rash, with frequent anogenital involvement-polymerase chain reaction of skin lesions is diagnostic. Vaccination is available for primary prevention and postexposure prophylaxis. Treatment consists of supportive care, with antiviral medications available via clinical trials and/or for patients with severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob McLean
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 W 168th Street, Suite 876, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Shauna Gunaratne
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 W 168th Street, Suite 876, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jason Zucker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 W 168th Street, Suite 876, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Lim SY, Jo HJ, Lee SY, Ahn M, Kim Y, Jeon J, Kim ES, Chin B, Choi JP, Kim NJ. Clinical Features of Mpox Patients in Korea: A Multicenter Retrospective Study. J Korean Med Sci 2024; 39:e19. [PMID: 38288533 PMCID: PMC10825456 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mpox is a viral illness with a characteristic skin rash caused by the monkeypox virus. In 2022, Mpox spread throughout the world, and an epidemic through domestic transmission started in South Korea in early 2023. This study aimed to summarize the clinical features of Mpox patients in South Korea. METHODS This is a multicenter retrospective study conducted at four hospitals in South Korea. All adult patients diagnosed with Mpox who were admitted to the study hospitals between June 1, 2022 and May 26, 2023 and were discharged by June 30, 2023 were reviewed. RESULTS Sixty patients were included, accounting for 65.9% of Mpox cases reported in South Korea during the study period. Median age was 32 years and 97% (58/60) of patients were male. In total, 85% (51/60) of patients reported their sexual orientation as homosexual or bisexual. The most common route of transmission was sexual or close contact (55/60). Every patient had a skin rash and 88% (53/60) had constitutional symptoms. In total, 42% (25/60) of patients had human immunodeficiency virus and 25% (15/60) had concomitant sexually transmitted infections. Severe manifestations of Mpox were identified in only two patients. CONCLUSION Mpox patients in South Korea were mainly young adult males and were infected through sexual contact. The clinical outcomes were favorable.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Yun Lim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyeon Jae Jo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Su-Yeon Lee
- Division of Emerging Infectious Disease Response, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Miyoung Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeonjae Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jaehyun Jeon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eu Suk Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - BumSik Chin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Jae-Phil Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Nam Joong Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Yang Y, Zhang W, Han B, Meng H, Wang J, Wu K, Fu L, Wang B, Jiang X, Li Q, Xu Z, Zhang Y, Qi X, Zou H. Mpox knowledge and vaccination hesitancy among healthcare workers in Beijing, China: A cross-sectional survey. Vaccine X 2024; 16:100434. [PMID: 38304877 PMCID: PMC10831242 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2024.100434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Mpox, one of the most serious threats to global health, is now being seen in small but rising numbers in Beijing, China. Our study aimed to investigate healthcare workers' (HCWs) knowledge of Mpox and to explore reasons associated with their hesitancy to vaccinate against Mpox in Beijing, China. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs in Beijing from July 24 to August 2, 2023, through an online questionnaire. Participants answered questions about sociodemographic characteristics, Mpox information sources, Mpox knowledge, perception of vaccines, and attitudes toward Mpox vaccination. We used Chi-squared test to compare difference in Mpox vaccination hesitancy between different groups. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to analyze correlates of vaccination hesitancy among HCWs. Results A total of 2331 HCWs completed the questionnaire, with an effective response rate of 92.45 % (2155/2331). Most of the HCWs in this study worked at tertiary hospitals (89.65 %), with a mean age of 36.69 ± 9.08 years. Among the 2155 participants, 52.99 % had over ten years of working experience, and 16.66 % were from high-risk departments relevant to Mpox treatment. Approximately 84.41 % knew about Mpox before this study, 80.79 % exhibited a high level of knowledge about Mpox, whereas 42.37 % were hesitant to be vaccinated against Mpox. Moreover, the hesitancy rate of HCWs in high-risk departments (47.91 %) was higher than in lower-risk departments (41.26 %). Higher educational level (aOR = 1.75, 95 %CI: 1.17-2.62), longer working years (1.71, 1.32-2.22), working at high-risk departments (1.34, 1.05-1.71), and lower level of knowledge about Mpox (1.78, 1.13-2.85) appeared as the most significant determinants of Mpox vaccination hesitancy among HCWs who knew about Mpox. For the HCWs who did not know about Mpox, longer working years (1.96, 1.02-3.78) were significant factors associated with their hesitancy. The predominant reason for hesitancy toward Mpox vaccination among HCWs encompassed apprehensions about vaccine side effects. Conclusion HCWs had good knowledge of Mpox, whereas their Mpox vaccination hesitancy was also relatively high in Beijing, China. Increasing HCWs' vaccination confidence and knowledge level about Mpox, especially for those working in high-risk departments, may be an essential way of reducing their hesitancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yang
- Beijing Chaoyang District Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beiijng, China
| | - Weijie Zhang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat‐sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Baihui Han
- Beijing Chaoyang District Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beiijng, China
| | - Han Meng
- Beijing Chaoyang District Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beiijng, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- Beijing Chaoyang District Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beiijng, China
| | - Ke Wu
- Beijing Chaoyang District Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beiijng, China
| | - Leiwen Fu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat‐sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bingyi Wang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat‐sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaohong Jiang
- Beijing Chaoyang District Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beiijng, China
| | - Qian Li
- Beijing Chaoyang District Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beiijng, China
| | - Zhiyuan Xu
- Beijing Chaoyang District Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beiijng, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Beijing Chaoyang District Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beiijng, China
| | - Xiao Qi
- Beijing Chaoyang District Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beiijng, China
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beiijng, China
| | - Huachun Zou
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Wetsch WA, Heger E, Drinhaus H, Böttiger BW, Overbeek R, Lehmann C, Fätkenheuer G, Jung N, Fischer J, Kneifel J, Zweigner J, Klein F, Wieland U. Lack of monkeypox virus (MPXV) transmission despite occupational exposure of a large number of health care workers. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29353. [PMID: 38178611 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang A Wetsch
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Eva Heger
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hendrik Drinhaus
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Bernd W Böttiger
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Remco Overbeek
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Clara Lehmann
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, German Center for Infection Research Partner Side Köln-Bonn, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gerd Fätkenheuer
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, German Center for Infection Research Partner Side Köln-Bonn, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Norma Jung
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, German Center for Infection Research Partner Side Köln-Bonn, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julia Fischer
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, German Center for Infection Research Partner Side Köln-Bonn, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jens Kneifel
- Department of Hospital Hygiene and Infection Control, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Janine Zweigner
- Department of Hospital Hygiene and Infection Control, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Florian Klein
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ulrike Wieland
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Khan G, Perveen N. The 2022 monkeypox outbreak 1 year on: The 5 Ws. Rev Med Virol 2024; 34:e2489. [PMID: 37930054 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
In May 2022, World Health Organization (WHO) reported an outbreak of Mpox in several European countries which were previously Mpox free. Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a zoonotic viral disease endemic in Central and West Africa. The sudden emergence of Mpox outside Africa and its subsequent rapid spread lead the WHO to declare the outbreak as Public Health Emergency of International Concern. By 15 May 2023, a total of 87,704 confirmed cases and 140 deaths had been reported from 111 countries and territories worldwide. Looking back on this outbreak 1 year later, several important questions have arisen. Here, we address these questions using the classic 5 Ws: What, When, Where, Who and Why? We discuss these questions to understand how this outbreak emerged and how it was effectively managed. We outline what needs to be done to prevent, or at least minimise, outbreaks due to emerging and re-emerging viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulfaraz Khan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nighat Perveen
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Decousser JW, Romano-Bertrand S, Aho Glele LS, Baron R, Carre Y, Cassier P, Dananche C, Depaix-Champagnac F, Fournier S, Racaud J, Rogues AM, Tamames C, Keita-Perse O, Parneix P, Lavigne T. Healthcare worker protection against mpox contamination: position paper of the French Society for Hospital Hygiene. J Hosp Infect 2023; 140:156-164. [PMID: 37562588 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
In the context of the recent re-emergence of mpox worldwide, the French Society for Hospital Hygiene (SF2H) performed a literature review of the transmission paths and proposed specific recommendations for healthcare workers (HCWs) caring for patients with suspected or confirmed MPXV. In developed countries, the risk of contamination among HCWs in healthcare facilities seemed to be very low, limited to contamination through needle stick injuries. Two additional contamination cases were reported and not fully explained. Beyond healthcare settings, the analysis of the literature highlighted (i) a main contamination route during sexual intercourse, mainly among men who have sex with men, and (ii) a very low secondary attack rate in other contexts, such as schools or jails. Numerous studies have reported molecular or virus identification on surfaces or in the air surrounding patients, without any association with the low secondary case incidence; moreover, the minimum infectious dose through air or mucosal exposure is still unknown. Owing to the lack of evidence of MPXV respiratory transmission in the healthcare setting, the SF2H recommends the implementation of standard and contact precautions combined with medical/surgical mask use. Owing to the lack of evidence of transcutaneous contamination, the SF2H recommends the use of gloves only if contact with cutaneous lesions or mucous membranes occurs. Regarding the risk of contamination from the environment in healthcare facilities, additional studies must be conducted to investigate this.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-W Decousser
- Equipe Opérationnelle d'Hygiène, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri-Mondor, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, UR DYNAMYC 7380, Faculté de Santé, Univ Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), Enva, USC ANSES, Créteil, France.
| | - S Romano-Bertrand
- HydroSciences Montpellier, IRD, CNRS, Montpellier University, Hospital Hygiene and Infection Control Department, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - L S Aho Glele
- Epidémiologie et hygiène hospitalière, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Dijon, hôpital d'enfants, Dijon, France
| | - R Baron
- Service Hygiène Hospitalière, Pôle Recherche et Santè Publique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest, Brest, France
| | - Y Carre
- CHU de Bordeaux, Pôle de Santé Publique, Infection Control Unit, Bordeaux, France
| | - P Cassier
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Inserm U1111, Université Lyon 1, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Institut des Agents Infectieux, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - C Dananche
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Inserm U1111, Université Lyon 1, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Service Hygiène, épidémiologie, infectiovigilance et prévention Groupement Hospitalier Nord, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - S Fournier
- Service Prévention du risque infectieux, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - J Racaud
- Service de lutte des infections nosocomiales, Centre Hospitalier Alpes-Leman, Contamine-sur-Arve, France
| | - A-M Rogues
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team Pharmacoepidemiology, UMR 1219, CHU Bordeaux, Hygiene Hospitalière, Bordeaux, France
| | - C Tamames
- Service de Prévention et contrôle de l'infection, site Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - O Keita-Perse
- Service d'Epidémiologie et d'Hygiène Hospitalière, Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace, Monaco
| | - P Parneix
- Nouvelle Aquitaine Healthcare-Associated Infection Control Centre, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France
| | - T Lavigne
- Service d'Hygiène Hospitalière, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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Saied AA, Chandran D, Chakraborty S, Emran TB, Dhama K. Mpox and healthcare workers — a minireview of our present knowledge. Egypt J Intern Med 2023; 35:46. [DOI: 10.1186/s43162-023-00233-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Workers in the healthcare industry form the backbone of health systems everywhere. In the face of global health crises like the current monkeypox (mpox) outbreak, healthcare workers like doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, midwives, paramedics, administrators, support staff, laboratory technicians, and community health workers all play crucial roles in providing care and containing the spread of the disease.
Aim
Therefore, in the wake of concerns about mpox recurrence, we seek to shed light on the occupational transmission of mpox infection and the possible risk to healthcare personnel.
Results
Contamination of the environment of the household of cases of mpox and environment of the patient care units with the viral DNA has been reported besides asymptomatic cases and detection of viral DNA in air samples; therefore, more research on non-lesion-based testing for human mpox infection for screening asymptomatic people, particularly among populations at high risk of infection, in the event of asymptomatic transmission and potential transmission via aerosols is necessary. Monitoring efforts can be aided by incorporating mpox testing into locations where people are more likely to contract illnesses and seek medical attention. We must take a precautionary infection control approach to control the spread of the virus while completing urgent research to understand better the human-to-human mpox transmission process.
Conclusions
In this minireview, we discuss the potential routes of mpox transmission to healthcare and preventative strategies and measures that should be taken and considered.
Graphical Abstract
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Kim T, Park E, Eun JS, Lee EY, Mun JW, Choi Y, Lee S, Yeom H, Kim E, Kim J, Choi J, Ha J, Park S. Detecting mpox infection in the early epidemic: an epidemiologic investigation of the third and fourth cases in Korea. Epidemiol Health 2023; 45:e2023040. [PMID: 36996865 PMCID: PMC10593590 DOI: 10.4178/epih.e2023040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES As few mpox cases have been reported in Korea, we aimed to identify the characteristics of mpox infection by describing our epidemiologic investigation of a woman patient (index patient, the third case in Korea) and a physician who was infected by a needlestick injury (the fourth case). METHODS We conducted contact tracing and exposure risk evaluation through interviews with these 2 patients and their physicians and contacts, as well as field investigations at each facility visited by the patients during their symptomatic periods. We then classified contacts into 3 levels according to their exposure risk and managed them to minimize further transmission by recommending quarantine and vaccination for post-exposure prophylaxis and monitoring their symptoms. RESULTS The index patient had sexual contact with a man foreigner during a trip to Dubai, which was considered the probable route of transmission. In total, 27 healthcare-associated contacts across 7 healthcare facilities and 9 community contacts were identified. These contacts were classified into high (7 contacts), medium (9 contacts), and low (20 contacts) exposure risk groups. One high-risk contact was identified as a secondary patient: a physician who was injured while collecting specimens from the index patient. CONCLUSIONS The index patient visited several medical facilities due to progressive symptoms prior to isolation. Although the 2022 mpox epidemic mainly affected young men, especially men who have sex with men, physicians should also consider mpox transmission in the general population for the timely detection of mpox-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeyoung Kim
- Capital Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eonjoo Park
- Capital Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jun Suk Eun
- Disease Management Division, Deogyang-gu Public Health Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Eun-young Lee
- Disease Management Division, Deogyang-gu Public Health Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Ji Won Mun
- Disease Management Division, Deogyang-gu Public Health Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Yunsang Choi
- Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Shinyoung Lee
- Capital Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hansol Yeom
- Capital Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eunkyoung Kim
- Capital Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jongmu Kim
- Capital Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jihyun Choi
- Capital Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jinho Ha
- Capital Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sookkyung Park
- Capital Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Seoul, Korea
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