2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Japan

2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Japan
Disease	Mpox
Virus strain	Monkeypox virus
Location	Japan
Index case	July 2022
Confirmed cases	100 (as of October 2023)
Deaths	0

The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Japan is part of the global outbreak of mpox, a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus. The outbreak in Japan began in July 2022, with the first confirmed case reported in Tokyo. Since then, the number of cases has gradually increased, with a total of 100 confirmed cases reported by October 2023. No deaths have been attributed to the outbreak in Japan.

Background

Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, which is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease is endemic to parts of Central and West Africa, but the 2022 outbreak marked a significant spread to non-endemic countries, including Japan.

Epidemiology

The first case of mpox in Japan was identified in July 2022 in a traveler returning from Europe. Subsequent cases were primarily linked to international travel and close contact with infected individuals. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has been actively monitoring the situation and implementing measures to prevent further spread.

Transmission

Mpox is transmitted through close contact with infected individuals or animals, as well as through contact with contaminated materials. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets, direct contact with bodily fluids, or lesions of an infected person.

Symptoms

The symptoms of mpox are similar to those of smallpox, but generally milder. They include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash that progresses through several stages before crusting and falling off.

Public Health Response

The Japanese government has implemented several measures to control the outbreak, including:

• Enhanced surveillance and contact tracing
• Public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the symptoms and transmission of mpox
• Vaccination campaigns targeting high-risk populations

Vaccination

Japan has utilized the smallpox vaccine, which provides cross-protection against mpox, to vaccinate healthcare workers and individuals at high risk of exposure.

Impact

The mpox outbreak in Japan has been relatively contained, with no reported deaths and a limited number of cases. The public health response has been effective in preventing widespread transmission.

Also see

• Mpox
• Monkeypox virus
• 2022–2023 mpox outbreak
• Public health in Japan