2022 2023 mpox outbreak in Europe

2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Europe
Disease	Mpox
Location	Europe
First reported	May 2022

The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Europe refers to the spread of the Monkeypox virus across various European countries, beginning in May 2022. This outbreak is part of a larger global mpox outbreak that has affected multiple continents.

Background

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease is endemic to certain regions in Central and West Africa. Human cases outside of Africa have historically been linked to international travel or imported animals.

Timeline

May 2022

The first cases in Europe were reported in early May 2022. Initial cases were identified in the United Kingdom, with subsequent cases reported in Spain, Portugal, and other countries. The outbreak was notable for its rapid spread across borders and the occurrence of cases in individuals with no travel history to endemic regions.

June 2022

By June 2022, the number of confirmed cases had increased significantly, prompting health authorities to issue alerts and guidelines for healthcare providers. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) began coordinating efforts to monitor and control the outbreak.

2023

The outbreak continued into 2023, with fluctuating case numbers. Efforts to vaccinate at-risk populations and implement public health measures were ongoing.

Transmission

The primary mode of transmission during the outbreak was human-to-human contact, particularly through close physical contact with infected individuals. The virus can also spread through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated materials.

Symptoms

Symptoms of mpox include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash that progresses through several stages before crusting and falling off. The disease is generally self-limiting, but severe cases can occur, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

Public Health Response

European health authorities implemented various measures to control the outbreak, including:

• Contact tracing and isolation of confirmed cases.
• Public awareness campaigns to educate the public about symptoms and prevention.
• Vaccination campaigns targeting high-risk groups.

Impact

The outbreak had significant public health implications, straining healthcare systems and prompting international collaboration to manage the spread of the virus. It also highlighted the need for improved surveillance and response strategies for emerging infectious diseases.

Also see

• Monkeypox
• 2022–2023 mpox outbreak
• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
• World Health Organization