2022 2023 mpox outbreak in Spain

2022–2023 Mpox Outbreak in Spain
Disease	Mpox
Source	Human-to-human transmission
Location	Spain
First outbreak	May 2022
Confirmed cases	7,500 (as of October 2023)
Deaths	12

The 2022–2023 Mpox outbreak in Spain is part of a larger global outbreak of mpox, a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. The outbreak in Spain began in May 2022 and has been one of the most significant in Europe, with thousands of confirmed cases and several deaths.

Background

Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease is endemic to parts of Central and West Africa, but in 2022, a significant outbreak occurred outside of these regions, affecting multiple countries worldwide.

Timeline

May 2022

The first cases of mpox in Spain were reported in May 2022. Initial cases were identified in Madrid and Barcelona, with patients presenting with symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.

June 2022

By June 2022, the number of confirmed cases had risen sharply. The Spanish Ministry of Health issued guidelines for the management and prevention of mpox, emphasizing the importance of contact tracing and isolation of infected individuals.

July 2022

In July 2022, Spain reported its first death related to the mpox outbreak. The government increased public health measures, including vaccination campaigns targeting high-risk populations.

2023

Throughout 2023, the number of new cases gradually declined, but sporadic outbreaks continued to occur. By October 2023, Spain had reported over 7,500 confirmed cases and 12 deaths.

Epidemiology

The outbreak in Spain has primarily affected men who have sex with men (MSM), although cases have been reported in other populations as well. The virus is transmitted through close contact with infected individuals, including skin-to-skin contact and respiratory droplets.

Public Health Response

The Spanish government implemented several measures to control the outbreak, including:

• Vaccination: The use of the JYNNEOS vaccine was prioritized for high-risk groups.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Information on symptoms and prevention was disseminated through various media channels.
• Contact Tracing: Efforts were made to trace and isolate contacts of confirmed cases to prevent further spread.

Impact

The mpox outbreak has had significant public health implications in Spain, straining healthcare resources and highlighting the need for improved surveillance and response strategies for emerging infectious diseases.

Also see

• Mpox
• 2022–2023 mpox outbreak
• Public health in Spain
• Vaccination campaigns in Spain