Top 5 Takeaways:

1. Mpox Prevalence in Transgender and Gender-Diverse Adults: During May 17–November 4, 2022, there were 466 reported mpox cases in transgender and gender-diverse adults in the U.S., constituting 1.7% of adult cases, with most cases in transgender women (43.1%) or gender-diverse persons (42.1%).
2. Sexual Contact Trends: Among 374 cases with available data, 276 (73.8%) reported sexual or close intimate contact with a cisgender male partner within three weeks before symptom onset.
3. Racial and Ethnic Distribution: Among transgender and gender-diverse adults with mpox, 37.0% were Hispanic, 28.1% non-Hispanic White, and 27.6% non-Hispanic Black, mirroring the distribution in cisgender persons.
4. Symptoms and HIV Status: Common symptoms included rash, malaise, and fever. Among 166 patients with available HIV status data, 47.6% were HIV positive.
5. Hospitalization Rates: Of the transgender and gender-diverse adults with mpox, 6.9% were hospitalized, which is similar to the rate in cisgender adults.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Dawn Blackburn: DBlackburn@cdc.gov

Suggested Citation

Blackburn D, Roth NM, Gold JA, et al. Epidemiologic and Clinical Features of Mpox in Transgender and Gender-Diverse Adults — United States, May–November 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:1605–1609. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm715152a1

Summary

The CDC conducted an analysis on U.S. case surveillance data of mpox cases in transgender and gender-diverse adults between May 17 and November 4, 2022. The study aimed to provide insights into the epidemiologic and clinical features of mpox in this group.

Methods

Data on confirmed and probable mpox cases were reported electronically by health departments using standardized forms. The analysis included demographic and epidemiologic characteristics, exposure characteristics, symptoms, HIV status, and hospitalization status, stratified by gender identity.

Discussion

The study revealed that transgender and gender-diverse adults have been disproportionately affected by mpox, particularly Hispanic and Black individuals. This highlights the need for tailored public health prevention and outreach efforts in these communities, including prioritizing vaccination.

Conclusion

This analysis underscores the importance of addressing the unique health needs and barriers to prevention and care faced by transgender and gender-diverse persons, particularly in the context of the current mpox outbreak. Standardized data collection on sex and gender identity is essential for understanding and addressing health inequities in this population.

Engaging with the transgender and gender-diverse community to improve prevention strategies and vaccination efforts is crucial in reducing the disproportionate prevalence of mpox among this group.

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