Epidemiologic and Clinical Features of Mpox-Associated Deaths - United States, May 10, 2022-March 7, 2023

Abstract

As of March 7, 2023, a total of 30,235 confirmed and probable monkeypox (mpox) cases were reported in the United States,^† predominantly among cisgender men^§ who reported recent sexual contact with another man (1). Although most mpox cases during the current outbreak have been self-limited, cases of severe illness and death have been reported (2-4). During May 10, 2022-March 7, 2023, 38 deaths among persons with probable or confirmed mpox^¶ (1.3 per 1,000 mpox cases) were reported to CDC and classified as mpox-associated (i.e., mpox was listed as a contributing or causal factor). Among the 38 mpox-associated deaths, 94.7% occurred in cisgender men (median age = 34 years); 86.8% occurred in non-Hispanic Black or African American (Black) persons. The median interval from symptom onset to death was 68 days (IQR = 50-86 days). Among 33 decedents with available information, 93.9% were immunocompromised because of HIV. Public health actions to prevent mpox deaths include integrated testing, diagnosis, and early treatment for mpox and HIV, and ensuring equitable access to both mpox and HIV prevention and treatment, such as antiretroviral therapy (ART) (5).

FIGURE

Weekly confirmed and probable mpox cases (A) and mpox-associated deaths (B), by week — United States, May 10, 2022—March 7, 2023 * https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/clinicians/case-definition.html ^† The earliest date available regarding the case, beginning with date of illness or rash onset, diagnosis date, positive laboratory test report date, CDC call center reporting date, or case data entry date into the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. ^§ Date of death as reported on the death certificate.