2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Belgium

Disease	Mpox
Virus strain	Monkeypox virus
Source
Location	Belgium
First outbreak
First reported
Index case	May 2022
Dates
Date

The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Belgium is part of the larger 2022–2023 mpox outbreak that has affected multiple countries worldwide. The outbreak in Belgium began in May 2022, with the first confirmed case reported in Antwerp. 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. Human-to-human transmission can occur through respiratory droplets, direct contact with bodily fluids, or contact with contaminated materials.

Outbreak Timeline

The first case in Belgium was identified in May 2022. The initial cases were linked to international travel and attendance at large gatherings, which facilitated the spread of the virus. The Belgian health authorities quickly implemented measures to contain the outbreak, including contact tracing, isolation of confirmed cases, and public health advisories.

May 2022

- May 19, 2022: The first case of mpox was confirmed in Antwerp. The patient had recently traveled to Portugal, where an outbreak was ongoing. - May 23, 2022: Additional cases were reported in Brussels and Flanders, bringing the total to 4 confirmed cases.

June 2022

- June 2022: The number of confirmed cases rose to 50. The Belgian government issued guidelines for healthcare providers and the public to prevent further spread.

July 2022

- July 2022: Cases continued to rise, reaching over 100 by mid-July. Vaccination campaigns were initiated for high-risk groups.

2023

- 2023: The outbreak continued into 2023, with sporadic cases being reported. By mid-2023, the total number of confirmed cases reached 721.

Public Health Response

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

- Contact Tracing: Extensive contact tracing was conducted to identify and isolate individuals who had been in contact with confirmed cases. - Vaccination: Vaccination campaigns targeted high-risk populations, including healthcare workers and individuals with known exposure to the virus. - Public Awareness: Public health campaigns were launched to educate the public about the symptoms of mpox and preventive measures.

Impact

The mpox outbreak in Belgium had significant public health implications, straining healthcare resources and requiring coordinated efforts to manage the spread. The outbreak highlighted the importance of global surveillance and rapid response to emerging infectious diseases.

Also see

- 2022–2023 mpox outbreak - Monkeypox virus - Orthopoxvirus - Smallpox - Public health