2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Spain

2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Spain

Disease	[[Mpox|Mpox]]
Virus strain	[[|{{{virus_strain}}}]]
First case	May 2022
Origin	[[|{{{origin}}}]]
Confirmed cases	7,500 (as of October 2023)
Deaths	12
This disease outbreak related article is a stub.

The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Spain is part of a larger global outbreak of mpox, a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. The outbreak in Spain began in May 2022 and has been one of the most significant in Europe, with thousands of confirmed cases and several deaths reported.

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 outbreaks have occurred in other regions due to international travel and human-to-human transmission.

Outbreak Timeline

Initial Cases

The first cases in Spain were reported in May 2022, primarily among men who have sex with men (MSM). The initial cluster of cases was linked to a sauna in Madrid, which was subsequently closed to prevent further spread.

Spread and Response

By June 2022, the number of cases had increased significantly, prompting the Spanish government to implement public health measures, including contact tracing and isolation of confirmed cases. Vaccination campaigns were also initiated, targeting high-risk groups.

Peak and Decline

The outbreak peaked in the summer of 2022, with over 1,000 cases reported in July alone. However, by the end of 2022, the number of new cases began to decline, attributed to increased public awareness, vaccination efforts, and natural immunity among the population.

Epidemiology

The outbreak in Spain predominantly affected the MSM community, although cases were also reported among heterosexual individuals and healthcare workers. The majority of cases were mild, with symptoms including fever, rash, and lymphadenopathy. Severe cases, although rare, resulted in complications such as encephalitis and secondary bacterial infections.

Public Health Measures

The Spanish Ministry of Health coordinated the response to the outbreak, which included:

• Vaccination: The use of the JYNNEOS vaccine was prioritized for high-risk groups.
• Surveillance: Enhanced surveillance systems were established to monitor the spread of the virus.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Information was disseminated to educate the public about the symptoms and transmission of mpox.

Impact

The outbreak had significant social and economic impacts, particularly in the healthcare sector, which faced increased pressure due to the need for testing, treatment, and vaccination. The stigma associated with the disease also posed challenges in reaching affected communities.

Research and Development

Ongoing research efforts are focused on understanding the transmission dynamics of mpox, developing more effective vaccines, and exploring antiviral treatments. Spain has contributed to international research collaborations aimed at controlling the outbreak and preventing future occurrences.

Also see

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