(P192) A HEALTH DEPARTMENT RESPONSE TO MPOX UTILIZING LESSONS LEARNED DURING A HEALTH DEPARTMENT WIDE COLLABORATIVE RESPONSE FOR COVID-19

Background:
Mpox is a rare infection caused by the mpox virus. Prior to 2022, person-to-person transmission of mpox during sexual activity was rare. This multinational outbreak highlighted that sexual transmission could play a significant role. The Pennsylvania Department of Health had 315 reported cases of mpox from June 2022 to August 2023. The response and intervention required resources departmentwide.

Methods:
Across the health department subject matter experts coordinated a multifaceted response. The Bureaus of Epidemiology, Immunizations, Communicable Diseases, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Community Health Systems and Laboratories met routinely. The team assured that individuals could be tested and treated, interviewed by HIV/STD field staff with referrals for partners for vaccination, and vaccine made readily available to at-risk populations in locations seldom providing vaccines.

Results:
Investigations were assigned based on regional jurisdiction. Staff would see cases in their inbox first thing every morning in the Pennsylvania National Electronic Data Surveillance System. Field staff were made aware that mpox cases were priority and interviews were very similar to syphilis and HIV interviews. The Bureau of Epidemiology provided consultation and support. Swift response from the Bureaus of Immunizations, Emergency Preparedness and Response, and Community Health Systems ensured mpox vaccine was readily available for partners of infected individuals and easily accessible to those most at-risk through a "hub-and-spoke" distribution model focusing on communities most affected by mpox transmission.

Conclusion:
Utilizing the “all-hands-on-deck”, collaborative approach implemented during the COVID-19 response contributed to a seamless Pennsylvania Department of Health response to mpox. Utilizing the HIV/STD Disease Intervention Specialists provided a seamless response that can be applied to new viruses or outbreaks as they occur. Consistent communication and utilization of subject matter experts fueled the planning and responsiveness that garnered the staff the support they needed to provide patients and their contacts with testing, treatment, and vaccination.