2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Austria

2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Austria
Disease	Mpox
Virus strain	Monkeypox virus
Location	Austria
Index case	May 2022
Confirmed cases	315
Deaths	0

The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Austria is part of the larger 2022–2023 mpox outbreak that has affected multiple countries worldwide. The outbreak in Austria began in May 2022, with the first confirmed case reported in Vienna. The outbreak is caused by the Monkeypox virus, a zoonotic virus that is part of the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes the Variola virus that causes smallpox.

Background

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa. It is similar to smallpox but generally less severe. The disease is characterized by fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, and it can lead to a range of medical complications.

The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak is notable for its spread to non-endemic countries, including Austria, where the virus had not been previously reported. The outbreak has raised concerns about the potential for wider transmission and the need for effective public health responses.

Epidemiology

The first case of mpox in Austria was confirmed in May 2022. The patient was a man in his 30s who had recently traveled to a country where mpox was known to be circulating. Following this initial case, additional cases were identified, primarily among men who have sex with men (MSM), which is consistent with patterns observed in other countries during this outbreak.

As of October 2023, there have been 315 confirmed cases of mpox in Austria. The majority of cases have been reported in urban areas, with Vienna being the most affected city. No deaths have been reported in Austria due to mpox, and most cases have been mild or moderate in severity.

Public Health Response

The Austrian government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), has implemented several measures to control the outbreak. These measures include:

• Surveillance and Contact Tracing: Enhanced surveillance systems have been put in place to identify and trace contacts of confirmed cases.
• Vaccination: The JYNNEOS vaccine, which is effective against mpox, has been made available to high-risk groups, including healthcare workers and MSM.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Information campaigns have been launched to educate the public about mpox, its symptoms, and preventive measures.
• Travel Advisories: Advisories have been issued for travelers to and from affected regions.

Clinical Management

The clinical management of mpox in Austria follows guidelines provided by the WHO and ECDC. Treatment is primarily supportive, focusing on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications. Antiviral medications, such as tecovirimat, may be used in severe cases.

Research and Development

Research efforts in Austria are ongoing to better understand the transmission dynamics of mpox and to develop more effective vaccines and treatments. Collaborative studies with international partners are also being conducted to monitor the genetic evolution of the virus.

Also see

• 2022–2023 mpox outbreak
• Monkeypox virus
• Orthopoxvirus
• Smallpox
• Public health in Austria