2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Switzerland

2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Switzerland
Disease	Mpox
Virus strain	Monkeypox virus
Location	Switzerland
Index case	May 2022
Confirmed cases	500+ (as of October 2023)
Deaths	0

The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Switzerland is part of the larger 2022–2023 mpox outbreak that has affected multiple countries worldwide. The outbreak in Switzerland began in May 2022, with the first confirmed case reported in Geneva.

Background

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease is characterized by symptoms similar to those of smallpox, though generally milder. The virus is endemic to certain regions in Central Africa and West Africa, but the 2022–2023 outbreak has seen a significant number of cases in non-endemic countries, including Switzerland.

Epidemiology

The first case in Switzerland was identified in May 2022. The patient had recently traveled to a country with known cases of mpox. Following this, additional cases were reported in various cantons, including Zurich, Vaud, and Bern. The outbreak primarily affected men who have sex with men (MSM), a pattern observed in other countries as well.

As of October 2023, over 500 cases have been confirmed in Switzerland. The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) has been actively monitoring the situation and providing updates on the number of cases and public health measures.

Transmission

Mpox is transmitted through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus. Human-to-human transmission occurs through respiratory droplets, direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, and indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated clothing or linens.

Clinical Features

The incubation period of mpox is usually 6 to 13 days but can range from 5 to 21 days. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. A rash often develops, beginning on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body.

Public Health Response

The Swiss government, through the FOPH, has implemented several measures to control the outbreak. These include:

• Surveillance and Contact Tracing: Enhanced surveillance and contact tracing efforts to identify and isolate cases.
• Vaccination: The use of the smallpox vaccine, which is effective against mpox, has been recommended for high-risk groups.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Information campaigns to educate the public about the symptoms of mpox and how to prevent transmission.

Impact

The outbreak has had a significant impact on public health resources in Switzerland. The FOPH has worked closely with international health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), to coordinate response efforts.

Also see

• 2022–2023 mpox outbreak
• Monkeypox virus
• Public health in Switzerland
• Vaccination in Switzerland