Mpox Cases Among Cisgender Women and Pregnant Persons - United States, May 11-November 7, 2022.

Journal: MMWR. Morbidity And Mortality Weekly Report
Published:
Abstract

Monkeypox (mpox) cases in the 2022 outbreak have primarily occurred among adult gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM); however, other populations have also been affected (1). To date, data on mpox in cisgender women and pregnant persons have been limited. Understanding transmission in these populations is critical for mpox prevention. In addition, among pregnant persons, Monkeypox virus can be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy or to the neonate through close contact during or after birth (2-5). Adverse pregnancy outcomes, including spontaneous abortion and stillbirth, have been reported in previous mpox outbreaks (3). During May 11-November 7, 2022, CDC and U.S. jurisdictional health departments identified mpox in 769 cisgender women aged ≥15 years, representing 2.7% of all reported mpox cases.† Among cases with available data, 44% occurred in cisgender women who were non-Hispanic Black or African American (Black), 25% who were non-Hispanic White (White), and 23% who were Hispanic or Latino (Hispanic). Among cisgender women with available data, 73% reported sexual activity or close intimate contact as the likely route of exposure, with mpox lesions most frequently reported on the legs, arms, and genitals. Twenty-three mpox cases were reported in persons who were pregnant or recently pregnant§; all identified as cisgender women based on the mpox case report form.¶ Four pregnant persons required hospitalization for mpox. Eleven pregnant persons received tecovirimat, and no adverse reactions were reported. Continued studies on mpox transmission risks in populations less commonly affected during the outbreak, including cisgender women and pregnant persons, are important to assess and understand the impact of mpox on sexual, reproductive, and overall health.

Authors
Lisa Oakley, Kaitlin Hufstetler, Jesse O'shea, J Sharpe, Cristin Mcardle, Varsha Neelam, Nicole Roth, Emily Olsen, Maren Wolf, Leah Pao, Jeremy A Gold, K Davis, Dana Perella, Shara Epstein, Maura Lash, Olivia Samson, Jessica Pavlick, Amanda Feldpausch, Jennifer Wallace, Atmaram Nambiar, Van Ngo, Umme-aiman Halai, Claudia Richardson, Traci Fowler, Burnestine Taylor, Joyce Chou, Lindsey Brandon, Rose Devasia, Erin Ricketts, Catherine Stockdale, Mellisa Roskosky, Rachel Ostadkar, Yeng Vang, Romeo Galang, Kiran Perkins, Melanie Taylor, Mary Choi, Paul Weidle, Patrick Dawson, Sascha Ellington
Relevant Conditions

Monkeypox