2022 2023 mpox outbreak in Israel

Disease	Mpox
Pathogen strain
Source
Location	Israel
First outbreak
First reported
Index case	May 2022
Dates
Date

The 2022–2023 Mpox outbreak in Israel is part of the global 2022–2023 mpox outbreak. The outbreak in Israel began in May 2022, with the first confirmed case reported in a traveler returning from abroad. Since then, the country has reported a total of 300 confirmed cases as of October 2023, with no reported deaths.

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, including fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.

The global outbreak of mpox in 2022 was first identified in the United Kingdom in May 2022, with subsequent cases reported in multiple countries, including Israel. The outbreak has been linked to human-to-human transmission, primarily through close contact.

Timeline of the Outbreak in Israel

May 2022

The first case of mpox in Israel was confirmed on May 20, 2022, in a man who had recently traveled to Western Europe. The Ministry of Health quickly issued guidelines for healthcare providers and the public to prevent further spread.

June 2022

By June 2022, Israel had reported 10 confirmed cases. The Ministry of Health began a public awareness campaign to educate the public about the symptoms and transmission of mpox.

July 2022

The number of confirmed cases rose to 50 by the end of July. The government initiated a vaccination campaign targeting high-risk groups, including healthcare workers and individuals with known exposure to confirmed cases.

2023

Throughout 2023, the number of cases gradually increased, reaching a total of 300 by October. The Ministry of Health continued to monitor the situation closely, providing updates and guidance to the public and healthcare providers.

Public Health Response

The Israeli Ministry of Health implemented several measures to control the outbreak, including:

• Surveillance and Contact Tracing: Enhanced surveillance systems were put in place to quickly identify and isolate new cases. Contact tracing efforts were intensified to prevent further transmission.
• Vaccination: The government procured vaccines and prioritized vaccination for high-risk populations.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Information campaigns were launched to educate the public about mpox, its symptoms, and preventive measures.

Impact

The mpox outbreak in Israel has been relatively contained, with no reported deaths and a limited number of cases compared to other countries. The swift response by health authorities and the public's adherence to guidelines have been credited with preventing a larger outbreak.

Also see

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