2022 monkeypox outbreak in Israel

2022 Monkeypox Outbreak in Israel
Disease	Monkeypox
Source	Imported from Europe
Location	Israel
First outbreak	May 2022
Confirmed cases	300 (as of December 2022)
Deaths	0

The 2022 monkeypox outbreak in Israel was part of a global outbreak of monkeypox that began in May 2022. The outbreak in Israel was characterized by the importation of cases from Europe and subsequent local transmission.

Background

Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. It is similar to smallpox, though generally less severe. The disease is endemic in parts of Central and West Africa, but the 2022 outbreak marked a significant spread to non-endemic countries.

Timeline

May 2022

The first case of monkeypox in Israel was reported on May 20, 2022. The patient had recently returned from a trip to Western Europe, where they were likely exposed to the virus. This case marked the beginning of the outbreak in Israel.

June 2022

By June, several more cases were confirmed, primarily among individuals who had traveled internationally or had close contact with travelers. The Ministry of Health issued guidelines for healthcare providers and the public to prevent further spread.

July 2022

In July, the number of confirmed cases continued to rise, prompting increased public health measures. The Ministry of Health began offering vaccinations to high-risk groups, including healthcare workers and individuals with known exposure to confirmed cases.

August 2022

The outbreak peaked in August, with the highest number of new cases reported. Public health campaigns focused on raising awareness about the symptoms and transmission of monkeypox.

September 2022

By September, the number of new cases began to decline, attributed to effective public health interventions and increased vaccination coverage.

December 2022

As of December 2022, a total of 300 cases had been confirmed in Israel, with no reported deaths. The outbreak was largely under control, with sporadic cases still being monitored.

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 cases. Contact tracing was conducted to prevent further transmission.
• Vaccination: The smallpox vaccine, which provides cross-protection against monkeypox, was offered to high-risk groups.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Information about monkeypox symptoms, transmission, and prevention was disseminated through various media channels.

Impact

The outbreak had a significant impact on public health resources in Israel. It highlighted the need for preparedness against emerging infectious diseases and the importance of international collaboration in managing outbreaks.

Also see

• Monkeypox
• 2022 monkeypox outbreak
• Public health in Israel
• Viral outbreaks