PRESS RELEASE: NETEC & Partners Support National Response to Mpox Outbreak as U.S. Declares Public Health Emergency
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PRESS RELEASE
NETEC & Partners Support National Response to Mpox Outbreak as U.S. Declares Public Health Emergency
Renaming to Mpox
NETEC is in the process of updating its web pages with the term “mpox” to reduce stigma and other issues associated with prior terminology. This change is aligned with the World Health Organization decision.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8/5/2022
NETEC Responds to Mpox Public Health Emergency
As the Biden administration declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency on Thursday, the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) and partners in the Regional Emerging Special Pathogens Treatment Centers (RESPTCs) continue to mobilize their network of highly trained special pathogens programs in support of increased preventative measures, national and international coordination, and the rapid and effective treatment of mpox.
“We are here to equip clinicians with the training, skills and resources necessary to safely and effectively care for patients experiencing mpox while limiting the spread of this rare but potentially serious illness,” said Dr. Vikram Mukherjee, NETEC Co-Principal Investigator and Medical Director of the ICU and the Special Pathogens Program at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue.
NETEC Provides Free Services for Frontline Health Care Providers
NETEC provides free expert consultation, technical support, and clinical resources for frontline clinicians, researchers, and health care agencies, including resources on PPE, specimen collection, infection prevention and waste management, and specialized guidance for EMS professionals, researchers, and more.
Clinicians Should Remain Alert for Mpox Symptoms
Mpox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness that typically begins with flu-like symptoms, followed by a rash or sores that resemble pimples or blisters. Some patients have had genital lesions and the rash may be hard to distinguish from syphilis, herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, chancroid, varicella zoster, and other more common infections. Rarely, the disease may become severe, with complications of pneumonia and brain inflammation. Children, pregnant, or breastfeeding persons are at increased risk of severe disease, alongside patients with uncontrolled HIV and other conditions that weaken the immune system; a history of inflammatory bowel disease; exfoliative skin conditions including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or eczema.
Though mpox is not as contagious as the flu, the risk of spread is high during oral sex, anal sex, vaginal sex, and other intimate contact such as hugging, kissing, cuddling, and massage. Individuals experiencing symptoms of mpox should immediately isolate themselves from others immediately and speak to their health care provider.
Clinicians should remain alert for patients that present rash illnesses consistent with mpox; implement the identify, isolate, and inform strategy to reduce potential exposures in their facilities; and adhere to a combination of standard, contact, airborne, and droplet precautions in all health care settings (CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/infection-control-hospital.html, Accessed 8/5/2022).
Contact NETEC for Consultation and Resources, Media Inquiries, and Interview Requests
Individuals can access NETEC’s services through the online service request portal, by emailing info@netec.org, or by visiting NETEC.org.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Nichole Huff, Senior Director of Communications
Email: huffn1@nychhc.org
Phone: 929-475-6391 (Mobile) / 347-835-7421 (Personal)