Two Cases of Monkeypox-Associated Encephalomyelitis — Colorado and the District of Columbia, July–August 2022

• DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7138e1
• Publication Date: 2022-09-13T15:11:18Z
• Authors: Daniel M. Pastula; Matthew J. Copeland; Markus C. Hannan; Samuel Rapaka; Takashi Kitani; Elizabeth Kleiner; Adrienne Showler; Cindy Yuen; Elizabeth M. Ferr...; Jennifer House; Shannon O’Brien; Alexis Burakoff; Bhavik Gupta; Kelli M. Money; Elizabeth Matthews; J. David Beckham; Lakshmi Chauhan; Amanda L. Piquet; Rebecca N. Kumar; Carlo S. Tornatore; Kia Padgett; Kevin O’Laughlin; Anil T. Mangla; Princy N. Kumar; Kenneth L. Tyler; Siobhán M. O’Connor
• Keywords: Monkeypox; Orthopoxvirus

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is an orthopoxvirus in the Poxviridae family. The current multinational monkeypox outbreak has now spread to 96 countries that have not historically reported monkeypox, with most cases occurring among gay, bisexual, and other men who sex (1,2). first case United States associated this was identified May 2022 Massachusetts (1); been all 50 states, District of Columbia (DC), one U.S. territory. MPXV transmitted by close contact infected persons or animals; infection results a febrile illness followed diffuse vesiculopustular rash lymphadenopathy. However, Clade II differed: prodrome frequently absent mild, often involves genital, anal, oral regions (3,4). Although neuroinvasive disease previously (5,6), it appears be rare. This report describes two encephalomyelitis patients occurred during outbreak. neurologic complications acute infections are rare, suspected should state, tribal, local, territorial health departments improve understanding range clinical manifestations treatment options for