WASHINGTON (June 12, 2023)—With summer outdoor events in full public health officials have issued warnings about a potential surge in mpox cases. The mpox virus, whose name was changed from monkeypox last year, is still circulating in the United States and the number of people getting the mpox vaccine has dropped sharply. Last week the Minnesota Department of Health confirmed two cases of mpox, the first in the state since last November.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has urged people at risk for the disease to get the mpox vaccine. CDC recently reported an outbreak of mpox among men who have sex with men but anyone exposed to the virus can get the disease, which causes painful skin lesions. With pride month in full swing, health officials say now is the time to fully protect themselves.
The George Washington University has experts who can talk about mpox, including the risk of a resurgence this summer. To interview a GW expert, please contact Rachel Larris, [email protected].
David Diemert, clinical director of the GW Vaccine Research unit and professor of medicine at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences, can talk about the risk of mpox spreading among children. Diemert and his colleagues are evaluating the immune response and safety of the JYNNEOS vaccine for mpox in adolescents.
Christopher Mores, professor of global health at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health, is a virologist and can discuss the spread, risk and modes of transmission of mpox. He is the director of a high-containment research laboratory and has investigated outbreaks of Ebola, Zika and others. Mores works closely with the US government and industry on measures to contain or stop emerging disease threats.
Carlos Rodriguez-Diaz, associate professor of prevention and community health at GW Milken Institute School of Public Health, can talk about disparities in risk and vaccine uptake for mpox. Rodriguez-Diaz conducts research addressing health inequities among vulnerable populations including people with HIV, Latinxs, incarcerated populations and sexual and gender minority groups. He can conduct interviews in Spanish and English.
Tara Palmore is a professor of infectious diseases at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences. She serves as the hospital epidemiologist for the George Washington University Hospital.
Marc Siegel, is an associate professor of medicine at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences, and and infectious disease expert. He can speak about the mpox vaccine efficacy and distribution.
Jose A. Lucar is an associate professor of infectious diseases at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences and has served as an investigator in several COVID-19 treatment and prevention clinical trials. His areas of clinical interest include mycobacterial infections, and antimicrobial stewardship.