The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) titled “Interim Clinical Treatment Considerations for Severe Manifestations of Mpox—United States, February 2023.”

The report provides updated clinical treatment considerations about using therapeutic countermeasures to treat severe mpox cases.

Until data gaps are filled through randomized controlled studies and other carefully controlled research studies, this MMWR represents the best available information about human mpox treatment.

What is already known about this topic?
During the 2022 global monkeypox (mpox) outbreak, some patients have experienced severe clinical manifestations. Medical countermeasures (MCMs) developed to treat smallpox have been used to treat mpox.

What is added by this report?
Data relevant to the use of tecovirimat, brincidofovir, cidofovir, trifluridine ophthalmic solution, and vaccinia immune globulin intravenous were reviewed. Animal models, MCM use for human cases of related orthopoxviruses, unpublished data, input from clinician experts, and experience during CDC mpox consultations were also evaluated to develop interim clinical treatment considerations.

What are the implications for public health practice?
Until data from controlled studies are available, these interim clinical considerations facilitate strategic decision-making about the use of MCMs to manage specific severe manifestations of mpox.

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