2022 2023 mpox outbreak in Taiwan

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

The 2022–2023 Mpox outbreak in Taiwan is part of the global mpox outbreak that began in 2022. The outbreak in Taiwan has been closely monitored by health authorities, with efforts to contain the spread of the virus through public health measures, vaccination campaigns, and public awareness initiatives.

Background

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the mpox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. It is primarily transmitted to humans from animals, but human-to-human transmission can occur through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials.

The global outbreak of mpox in 2022 marked a significant increase in cases outside of endemic regions in Africa, prompting international concern and response efforts.

Timeline of the Outbreak in Taiwan

2022

The first case of mpox in Taiwan was reported in June 2022. The patient was a traveler who had recently returned from abroad. Following the identification of this case, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) initiated contact tracing and isolation protocols to prevent further spread.

Throughout 2022, additional cases were identified, primarily among individuals with travel history to affected regions. The CDC issued travel advisories and recommended precautionary measures for travelers.

2023

In 2023, Taiwan continued to report sporadic cases of mpox. The government intensified its public health response, including the procurement and distribution of mpox vaccines. Vaccination campaigns targeted high-risk groups, including healthcare workers and individuals with potential exposure to the virus.

Public Health Response

The Taiwanese government implemented several measures to control the outbreak:

• Surveillance and Reporting: Enhanced surveillance systems were established to monitor and report new cases promptly.
• Vaccination: The CDC secured doses of the mpox vaccine and launched vaccination campaigns targeting high-risk populations.
• Public Awareness: Information campaigns were conducted to educate the public about mpox symptoms, transmission, and prevention strategies.
• International Collaboration: Taiwan collaborated with international health organizations to share data and best practices for managing the outbreak.

Impact

The mpox outbreak in Taiwan has had a limited impact compared to other regions, largely due to the swift response by health authorities. The outbreak highlighted the importance of global health security and the need for preparedness against emerging infectious diseases.

Also see

• Mpox
• 2022–2023 mpox outbreak
• Taiwan Centers for Disease Control
• Vaccination in Taiwan