Description
Mpox is a zoonotic infection caused by mpox virus, an orthopoxvirus with an unknown animal reservoir endemic in several Central and West African countries. Since mid-May 2022, the United States and many other countries without a history of mpox activity, have witnessed an increase in reported mpox cases. Although the primary mode of mpox transmission is close contact, meaning that anyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can acquire mpox, most of those affected in the current global outbreaks are gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men (MSM). Close contact, sustained skin-to-skin contact including sexual contact with a person with mpox or contact with contaminated fomites (e.g., shared linens) are the most significant risk factors associated with human-to-human transmission of mpox virus and many have called to consider mpox a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Not only is the clinical presentation of mpox similar to some STIs, such as syphilis, herpes, lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), or other etiologies of proctitis, but co-infections of mpox with STIs are common. Although the case-fatality rate for mpox in the current outbreak is low, infection can cause a significant degree of pain and morbidity, including hospitalization. There is no treatment specifically for mpox. However, because the mpox and smallpox viruses are closely related, drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox may be used to prevent and treat mpox virus infections. Vaccination can be given as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) or as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).The National Network of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinical Prevention Training Centers (NNPTC) are regional and national centers created in partnership with health departments and universities. NNPTC is dedicated to increasing the knowledge and skills of health professionals in the areas of sexual and reproductive health. The NNPTCs are well positioned to address mpox in the United States for several reasons including: 1) established expertise in infections transmitted through sexual contact 2) content expertise focused on MSM populations; 3) broad geographical reach of the network which covers the entire United States; 4) faculty with deep expertise in infectious diseases and public health.The purpose of this non-competitive supplemental Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to fund components A, B, and C of the PS20-2004 NNPTC NOFO. This supplemental NOFO leverages the strengths of the NNPTCs to support public health efforts to address the mpox epidemic using a syndemic approach. PS20-2004 recipients will develop an implementation strategy to train and provide technical assistance to healthcare providers and clinical settings for the purposes of supporting the integration of mpox vaccination, diagnosis, and treatment activities into routine sexual health care using a syndemic approach. The training and technical support to be developed and delivered through this supplement will include aspects of epidemiology, transmission, clinical presentation, diagnostic testing, treatment, vaccination, and prevention.