2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Colombia

2022 monkeypox outbreak cases in Colombia

2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Colombia

The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Colombia is part of the global 2022–2023 mpox outbreak. The outbreak of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in Colombia began in 2022 and has continued into 2023, affecting various regions of the country.

Background

Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. The disease was first identified in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mpox is similar to smallpox, but it is clinically less severe.

Initial Cases

The first confirmed case of mpox in Colombia was reported in May 2022. The patient had a history of travel to a country with known cases of mpox. Following this initial case, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection initiated measures to monitor and control the spread of the virus.

Spread and Impact

By mid-2022, the number of confirmed cases had increased, with clusters of infections reported in major cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. The outbreak has had significant public health implications, leading to increased surveillance, public awareness campaigns, and vaccination efforts.

Symptoms and Transmission

Mpox symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. A rash that often begins on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body is also characteristic of the disease. The virus is transmitted through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus.

Public Health Response

The Colombian government, through the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, has implemented several measures to control the outbreak. These include:

• **Surveillance and Reporting:** Enhanced surveillance systems to detect and report new cases promptly.
• **Vaccination:** Efforts to vaccinate high-risk populations, including healthcare workers and individuals with known exposure to the virus.
• **Public Awareness:** Campaigns to educate the public about the symptoms of mpox and preventive measures to reduce transmission.

International Collaboration

Colombia has collaborated with international health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to share information and resources to combat the outbreak.

Current Status

As of early 2023, the outbreak in Colombia is ongoing, with health authorities continuing to monitor the situation closely. Efforts to control the spread of the virus and treat affected individuals remain a priority.

See Also

• 2022–2023 mpox outbreak
• Monkeypox virus
• Ministry of Health and Social Protection (Colombia)
• World Health Organization
• Pan American Health Organization