2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Chile

2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Chile
Disease	Mpox
Virus strain	Monkeypox virus
Location	Chile
Index case	June 2022
Confirmed cases	1,500 (as of October 2023)
Deaths	5
Government website
Ministry of Health

The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Chile is part of the global outbreak of mpox, a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus. The outbreak in Chile began in June 2022, with the first confirmed case reported in the capital city, Santiago. Since then, the virus has spread to various regions across the country, prompting public health responses and vaccination campaigns.

Background

Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, which is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and a distinctive rash. While mpox is endemic to certain regions in Central Africa and West Africa, the 2022 outbreak marked a significant spread to non-endemic countries, including Chile.

Timeline of the Outbreak

June 2022

The first case of mpox in Chile was confirmed in June 2022. The patient had recently traveled to Europe, where they were likely exposed to the virus. Following this case, the Ministry of Health issued alerts and began contact tracing efforts.

July 2022

By July 2022, the number of confirmed cases had risen to 50. The government initiated a public awareness campaign to educate the population about the symptoms and transmission of mpox.

August 2022

In August, the Ministry of Health began a targeted vaccination campaign, prioritizing healthcare workers and individuals at higher risk of exposure. The campaign utilized the JYNNEOS vaccine, which is effective against mpox.

2023

Throughout 2023, the number of cases continued to rise, reaching a peak in March. By October 2023, there were approximately 1,500 confirmed cases and 5 reported deaths. The outbreak prompted ongoing public health measures, including isolation of confirmed cases and continued vaccination efforts.

Public Health Response

The Chilean government, through the Ministry of Health, implemented several measures to control the outbreak. These included:

• Surveillance and Contact Tracing: Enhanced surveillance systems were put in place to quickly identify and isolate new cases.
• Vaccination Campaigns: The government secured doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine and prioritized vaccination for high-risk groups.
• Public Education: Information campaigns were launched to inform the public about mpox symptoms, transmission, and prevention.

Impact on Society

The mpox outbreak in Chile has had significant social and economic impacts. Public fear and misinformation initially led to stigmatization of affected individuals. The government and health organizations worked to combat stigma through education and outreach.

Also see

• Mpox
• 2022–2023 mpox outbreak
• Ministry of Health (Chile)
• Vaccination in Chile