2022–2023 mpox outbreak in the Netherlands

2022–2023 mpox outbreak in the Netherlands
Disease	Mpox
Virus strain	Monkeypox virus
Location	Netherlands
Index case	May 2022
Confirmed cases	1,200 (as of October 2023)
Deaths	0
Government website
RIVM Mpox Information

The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in the Netherlands is part of the larger 2022–2023 mpox outbreak that affected multiple countries worldwide. The outbreak in the Netherlands began in May 2022, with the first confirmed case reported in Amsterdam. The outbreak was characterized by the spread of the Monkeypox virus, a zoonotic virus that causes the disease known as mpox.

Background

Mpox is a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, which is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease is similar to smallpox, but generally less severe. Mpox is endemic in parts of Central and West Africa, but the 2022 outbreak marked a significant spread to non-endemic countries, including the Netherlands.

Epidemiology

The first case in the Netherlands was identified in May 2022. The Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu (RIVM), the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, quickly initiated contact tracing and public health measures to contain the spread. By October 2023, there were approximately 1,200 confirmed cases in the country.

The majority of cases were reported among men who have sex with men (MSM), which was consistent with the patterns observed in other countries during the outbreak. The virus primarily spread through close contact, including sexual contact, and less commonly through respiratory droplets or contaminated materials.

Public Health Response

The Dutch government, in collaboration with the RIVM, implemented several measures to control the outbreak. These included:

• Vaccination Campaigns: The RIVM offered the smallpox vaccine, which provides cross-protection against mpox, to high-risk groups, including MSM and healthcare workers.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Information was disseminated through various media channels to educate the public about the symptoms of mpox and preventive measures.
• Testing and Contact Tracing: Extensive testing and contact tracing were conducted to identify and isolate cases.

Clinical Features

The clinical presentation of mpox in the Netherlands was similar to that observed in other countries. Symptoms included fever, headache, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash that often began on the face and spread to other parts of the body. The rash progressed through several stages before crusting and falling off.

Outcome

As of October 2023, there have been no reported deaths due to mpox in the Netherlands. The outbreak was largely contained through effective public health interventions, and the number of new cases had significantly decreased by late 2023.

Also see

• 2022–2023 mpox outbreak
• Mpox
• Monkeypox virus
• Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu