ANA Recognizes the World Health Organization Declaration of Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern
International Cases Identified; Calls on US Nurses to be Aware of Signs and Symptoms
MEDIA CONTACTS: newsroom@ana.org
SILVER SPRING, MD – Following the declaration of Monkeypox (mpox) as a public health emergency of international concern earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to stop outbreaks of human-to-human transmission of mpox through coordinated efforts. While no U.S. cases have been identified, the American Nurses Association (ANA) calls on all U.S. nurses to be vigilant and understand the signs and symptoms of infection.
Mpox is a viral infection caused by the mpox virus that spreads through close contact and encompasses two primary clades (clade I and II). A distinctive rash presents in most patients with mpox. Clade I is the variant currently spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and historically causes more severe illness than clade II. There are 17,000 confirmed cases of mpox, many of which are concentrated in the DRC, where the disease is endemic; however, international cases have been identified, with the first in Sweden on August 15, 2024 and the second in Thailand on August 23, 2024.
We encourage nurses to be aware of patients that come in with rashes or lesions, particularly those who have traveled internationally. Ensuring effective PPE usage during this time is critical. ANA also urges nurses to use stigma-free communication in sensitive conversations about mpox and its’ transmission.
A robust supply of vaccines must be available to protect the public. ANA supports the call and effort to mobilize vaccine supply to countries that are most in need, including to individuals, nurses and all health care professionals. World leaders must ensure concerted efforts to increase the flow of supplies and resources to areas where mpox is endemic.
ANA encourages all nurses and health care professionals to visit the resource pages provided by WHO and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn more and stay updated to prevent the spread of mpox.
###
About the American Nurses Association
The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the premier organization representing the interests of the nation's more than 5 million registered nurses. ANA advances the profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting a safe and ethical work environment, bolstering the health and wellness of nurses, and advocating on health care issues that affect nurses and the public. ANA is at the forefront of improving the quality of health care for all.