2022 monkeypox outbreak

2022 Monkeypox Outbreak

The 2022 monkeypox outbreak refers to the global spread of the monkeypox virus that began in May 2022. This outbreak was notable for its occurrence in non-endemic countries, primarily in Europe and North America, which had not previously reported significant cases of monkeypox.

Background

Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes the variola virus (which causes smallpox). Monkeypox is endemic to certain regions in Central and West Africa. The disease was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research, hence the name "monkeypox."

Transmission

The monkeypox virus is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through large respiratory droplets, direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, and indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated clothing or linens.

Symptoms

The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox, but generally milder. They include fever, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion, followed by a rash that often begins on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body. The rash progresses through several stages before scabbing over and resolving.

2022 Outbreak

The 2022 outbreak was first identified in the United Kingdom, with the first case reported on May 6, 2022. The patient had recently traveled from Nigeria, where monkeypox is endemic. Subsequent cases were reported in several other countries, including Spain, Portugal, Canada, and the United States, among others.

The outbreak was characterized by clusters of cases, often linked to social events or gatherings. Unlike previous outbreaks, the 2022 outbreak saw a significant number of cases among men who have sex with men (MSM), although the virus is not considered a sexually transmitted infection.

Public Health Response

Public health responses included contact tracing, isolation of infected individuals, and vaccination of close contacts and healthcare workers. The smallpox vaccine, which provides cross-protection against monkeypox, was used in some cases to control the spread of the virus.

Impact

The outbreak raised concerns about the potential for monkeypox to become more widespread in non-endemic regions. It also highlighted the need for improved surveillance and diagnostic capabilities for emerging infectious diseases.

Also see

• Monkeypox
• Orthopoxvirus
• Smallpox
• Zoonotic disease
• Public health