Monkeypox Information for Health Care Providers

Mpox illness, including severe infections, continue to occur across the United States. CDC has clinical guidance for health care professionals: CDC - Mpox Information for Healthcare Professionals

In New Mexico, it is essential to report any suspect, probable or confirmed cases. Call the NMDOH Epidemiology and Response Division (ERD) 24/7 call line at 505-827-0006 for questions about:

1. Clinicians should consider mpox when lesions consistent with mpox are observed in a patient, even if an alternate etiology (e.g., herpes simplex virus, syphilis) is considered more likely. Report any confirmed case to the the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773)
2. It is important to comprehensively evaluate patients presenting with genital or perianal ulcers for STIs. However, co-infections with MPOX and STIs have been reported and the presence of an STI does not rule out MPOX.
3. Testing for MPOX is available commercial labs and the state scientific laboratory (SLD). Please refer to your diagnostic laboratory's webpage for specimen collection and submission guidance.
4. Specimens must be appropriately collected, stored, and submitted by the healthcare provider; patients cannot have specimens collected at laboratory service centers.
5. Consult the DOH for access to mpox therapeutics when appropriate. Treatment with tecovirimat can be considered via the NIH sponsored STOMP trial:

TriCore testing guidance:https://tricore.my.salesforce.com/sfc/p/#40000000N3ML/a/4y000000Q6EW/cM85oF0Za2q6JnJmw5CmGhsXVQWvE5xj6L1TdnU4CUY

Quest testing guidance:https://www.questdiagnostics.com/healthcare-professionals/about-our-tests/infectious-diseases/monkeypox

Labcorp testing guidance:https://www.labcorp.com/infectious-disease/monkeypox

For submission of specimens to SLD please refer to the HAN dated 7/8/2022 linked below

Specific directions are in these Health Action Alerts:

• Mpox Virus Infection in the United States and Other Non-endemic Countries - 07/08/2022
• Mpox Virus Infection in the United States and Other Non-endemic Countries - 05/26/2022

Infographics

Mpox: Screening and Testing Guidance

Mpox: Infection Control Checklist

Mpox Virus Resources:

• CDC - Mpox Information for Healthcare Professionals
• CDC - Mpox Signs & Symptoms
• CDC - U.S. Mpox main page
• Mpox resources and vaccine at Indian Health Service (IHS)”
• Rule for Small Numbers and Public Data Release
• World Health Organization Mpox proclamation