August Message from the Directors: UI Health & CCTS response to monkeypox
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With Chicago as an epicenter of the ongoing monkeypox outbreak, UI Health has been actively engaged in the local response. Dr. Richard Novak provided some background information on the disease and spoke to measures UI Health is undertaking to combat viral spread around the greater Chicago area:
Monkeypox is not a new virus and the virus is not restricted to monkeys, but also found in a variety of rodents. It is not normally a human virus, it is a “zoonosis,” a disease within animals that crossed over into humans. Originating in Africa, there are two principal strains: a more severe form from central Africa and a milder form from west Africa. The current outbreak is with the milder form of the disease, so fortunately it rarely results in hospitalization or death.
The virus is in the orthopox virus family, which includes Variola, the virus that causes small pox, and vaccinia, the cow pox virus used to vaccinate against small pox. It is believed that the discontinuation of smallpox vaccination after the disease was eradicated, and subsequent waning of immunity in the population worldwide, has allowed for the rapid spread of the disease. The current outbreak began in men who have sex with men (MSM) and has spread almost exclusively in this risk group. It is not easily transmitted and requires intimate, prolonged physical contact. This does not mean it will continue to be restricted to MSM, and there have been a small number of cases in women and children thus far. As of August 11, there have been almost 11,000 cases in the U.S., and it is increasing about 30% per week.
Efforts to contain the disease locally include accelerated distribution of vaccine among high-risk individuals, and most recently, access to antiviral drug treatment from the CDC stockpile. Dr. Stockton Mayer has been leading the effort for UIC with the help of other infectious diseases and college of nursing faculty and staff, hosting pop up clinics at a number of venues around the city, as well as on campus at Project WISH. A large vaccination event was held on August 14 at the College of Nursing, with a targeted distribution of 1500 doses. The vaccine being used, Jynneos, is a vaccinia-based vaccine developed for smallpox, but also effective against other orthopox viruses such as monkeypox. The limited supply means it is only being offered to people at risk, and not to the general public.
The CCTS is prepared to assist our researchers and clinicians in their efforts to reduce the effect of monkeypox on the Chicago community. We continue to provide support for researchers studying infectious diseases like monkeypox, as well as a multitude of other medical conditions and interventions aimed at improving the wellbeing of our communities. For help with your clinical or public health research project, contact our support line at ask-ccts@uic.edu.