Lessons Learned from the U.S. Public Health Response to the 2022 mpox Outbreak

In mid-2022, an mpox outbreak occurred in the United States and more than 100 countries, disproportionately affecting men who have sex with men (MSM). Initially, the U.S. public health system failed to deploy tests, treatment, and vaccines effectively. Key federal policy changes in August 2022, along with risk reduction among many MSM, led to a steady reduction in new diagnoses by December 2022. Mpox outbreaks occurred among MSM in Chicago and France in May 2023, and vaccination rates remain low. This perspective analyzes the U.S. response to the 2022 outbreak, and it identifies the lessons learned that may guide mpox management moving forward.