JOURNAL ARTICLE

A Venue-Based Approach to Asymptomatic Mpox Screening and Doxy-PEP Provision: From Outbreak to Outreach, San Francisco, California, 2023‒2024.

  • Published In: American Journal of Public Health, 2026, v. 116, n. 3. P. 307 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Contag, Caitlin A.; Renfro, Zachary T.; Mukund, Adi Xiyal; Quint, Meg; Amitin, Shannon; Levy, Vivian; Hammack, Phillip L.; Pinsky, Benjamin A.; Laniakea, Benjamin 3 of 3

Abstract

This article focuses on a venue-based research and intervention project conducted from 2023 to 2024 in San Francisco to address the 2022 global outbreak of clade IIb mpox virus (MPXV), which disproportionately affected lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities. The study aimed to characterize asymptomatic MPXV infection prevalence, validate MPXV antibody assays in blood and saliva, and provide culturally competent sexual health services, including free doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP) prescriptions to eligible men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender individuals. Conducted at sex-positive LGBTQ+ events, the project enrolled 231 participants, collected biological samples for testing, and distributed 104 doxy-PEP prescriptions, demonstrating the feasibility and community acceptance of mobile, venue-based infectious disease surveillance and sexual health promotion. The approach emphasized reducing stigma, fostering trust between biomedical researchers and LGBTQ+ communities, and supporting sexual autonomy, with potential applicability to other settings and emerging infections.

Additional Information

  • Source:American Journal of Public Health. 2026/03, Vol. 116, Issue 3, p307
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Social Sciences and Humanities
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:0090-0036
  • DOI:10.2105/AJPH.2025.308309
  • Accession Number:191486664
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