 💡 Mpox Clade-Specific Testing
As of June 4, 2024, the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) can perform mpox clade-specific testing on human specimens for surveillance purposes only. Updated testing instructions will be posted on the DCLS Hot Topics & Updates website.
Providers should contact their local health department to coordinate clade-specific testing if they have a patient who is suspected of having mpox who:
- Has traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or
- Had contact with someone who traveled to DRC in the 21 days before symptom onset
For more information about the two main clades (types) of Monkeypox virus, see the CDC’s About Mpox website.
💡 Disrupted Access to Stimulant Medications
On June 13, 2024, CDC issued a HAN Advisory about disrupted access to stimulant medication for up to 30,000 to 50,000 patients. This is due to a federal health care fraud indictment against a large subscription-based telehealth company.
Providers are encouraged to:
- Help patients who have lost healthcare access to find new licensed clinicians and pharmacies
- Educate patients on the risks of using drugs or medicine obtained from sources other than licensed clinicians and pharmacies
More information can be found on the CDC website.
💡 H5N1 Update
At this time, no cases of H5N1 bird flu have been reported in people or cattle in Virgina.
However, the following steps should be taken if a patient has a relevant exposure history and signs/symptoms consistent with avian influenza A virus infection:
💡 TPOXX Access for Mpox Treatment
As a reminder, the preferred route for providers to access oral tecovirimat (TPOXX) is through the STOMP trial. Please note there is no weekend enrollment at this time. If STOMP enrollment is unavailable, TPOXX should be acquired through the investigational new drug (EA-IND) protocol.
For patients who are not eligible for STOMP (or STOMP enrollment is unavailable), decline to participate, or require IV TPOXX and meet protocol eligibility criteria, TPOXX may be accessed through the EA-IND protocol. Providers should contact their local health department who will r facilitate TPOXX access through the EA-IND.
More information is available on the VDH Mpox Treatment Guidance webpage.
💡 Pertussis Trends
Virginia is reporting elevated levels of pertussis (whooping cough) across the state. Cases have increased seven-fold compared to the same time last year, the greatest increase since 2015. This trend is linked to pertussis outbreaks in churches, universities, schools, and childcare settings, as well as a nationwide return to pre-pandemic levels. Providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for pertussis and ensure patients are up to date on the DTaP or Tdap vaccine.
💡 Arexvy Vaccine Eligibility Expansion
People aged 50 through 59 may be able to receive the RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine Arexvy. On Friday, June 7, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration expanded the vaccine’s approval. It is meant for people in this age group who are at increased risk for lower respiratory tract disease due to RSV. Examples of increased-risk conditions include chronic heart, lung, liver and/or kidney disease. GSK, the vaccine manufacturer, issued a press release on June 7.
|
