Physicians Council Forms Monkeypox Workgroup

Since May 2022, monkeypox cases, which have historically been rare in the United States, have been identified in at least 47 states and territories (CDC). Globally, more than 18,000 cases have been reported from at least 75 countries (CDC), 69 of which do not typically see monkeypox cases; the case count continues to rise daily. To date, there have been no reports of deaths related to MPXV in the United States in 2022. 
 
In the United States, evidence of person-to-person disease transmission in multiple states and reports of clinical cases with some uncharacteristic features have raised concern that some cases are not being recognized and tested. As testing has ramped up in the United States and across the world, it is anticipated that more cases may be recognized.  
 
In response to this emerging infectious disease, the AATB Physicians Council is forming a workgroup to review all available information from the CDC, WHO, and other knowledgeable sources to understand if recommendations for change to the eligibility evaluation of human tissue donors should be issued to members.