2022–2023 mpox outbreak in the United Kingdom
| 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in the United Kingdom | |
|---|---|
| Disease | Mpox |
| Location | United Kingdom |
| Index case | May 2022 |
| Confirmed cases | 3,732 |
Deaths | 0 |
| Government website | |
| Monkeypox Guidance | |
The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in the United Kingdom was part of a larger global outbreak of mpox, a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. The outbreak in the UK began in May 2022 and was characterized by a significant number of cases, primarily among men who have sex with men (MSM).
Background[edit | edit source]
Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease is endemic in parts of Central and West Africa, but outbreaks have occurred in other regions due to international travel and trade. The virus is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected animal, human, or contaminated materials.
Timeline of the Outbreak[edit | edit source]
May 2022[edit | edit source]
The first case of mpox in the UK was reported in early May 2022. The initial cases were linked to travel from Nigeria, where the disease is endemic. However, subsequent cases were identified with no travel history, indicating community transmission.
June 2022[edit | edit source]
By June 2022, the number of confirmed cases had increased significantly. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued guidance on identifying and managing cases, emphasizing the importance of contact tracing and isolation.
July 2022[edit | edit source]
In July, the UK government began a targeted vaccination campaign using the smallpox vaccine, which is effective against mpox. The campaign focused on high-risk groups, including healthcare workers and MSM.
2023[edit | edit source]
The outbreak continued into 2023, with sporadic cases reported. The UKHSA continued to monitor the situation closely, and public health measures remained in place to prevent further spread.
Public Health Response[edit | edit source]
The UKHSA coordinated the public health response to the outbreak, which included:
- Surveillance and Reporting: Enhanced surveillance to identify and report new cases promptly.
- Vaccination: Deployment of the smallpox vaccine to high-risk populations.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Information campaigns to educate the public about mpox symptoms and prevention measures.
- International Collaboration: Working with international health organizations to track the outbreak and share data.
Impact[edit | edit source]
The outbreak had a significant impact on public health services in the UK, with increased demand for testing and vaccination. The focus on high-risk groups helped to contain the spread of the virus, and no deaths were reported during the outbreak.
Also see[edit | edit source]
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