2022 monkeypox outbreak in Peru

2022 Monkeypox Outbreak in Peru
250px Electron micrograph of a monkeypox virion
Disease	Monkeypox
Virus strain	Monkeypox virus
Source	Human-to-human transmission
Location	Peru
Index case	June 2022
Confirmed cases	3,000+ (as of October 2023)
Deaths	5
Government website
Ministry of Health of Peru

The 2022 monkeypox outbreak in Peru is part of the global 2022 monkeypox outbreak, which saw a significant increase in cases of monkeypox outside of its traditional endemic regions in Central and West Africa. The outbreak in Peru began in June 2022 and has since resulted in over 3,000 confirmed cases and 5 deaths as of October 2023.

Background

Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease is similar to smallpox, though generally less severe. Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys kept for research, and the first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Epidemiology

The first case of monkeypox in Peru was reported in June 2022. The initial cases were linked to international travel, but subsequent cases indicated community transmission. The outbreak primarily affected urban areas, with the highest number of cases reported in Lima, the capital city.

Transmission

Monkeypox 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 respiratory droplets, direct contact with body fluids, or lesions of an infected person, and indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated clothing or linens.

Clinical Features

The clinical presentation of monkeypox is similar to that of smallpox, but milder. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash that progresses from macules to papules, vesicles, pustules, and finally crusts. The incubation period is typically 7-14 days but can range from 5-21 days.

Public Health Response

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

• Enhanced surveillance and contact tracing
• Public awareness campaigns to educate the population about monkeypox symptoms and prevention
• Isolation of confirmed cases and quarantine of contacts
• Vaccination of high-risk groups with the smallpox vaccine, which provides cross-protection against monkeypox

Impact

The outbreak has placed a significant burden on the Peruvian healthcare system, which was already strained by the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts to control the spread of the virus have been complicated by misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.

Research and Development

Research is ongoing to better understand the transmission dynamics of monkeypox in non-endemic regions and to develop more effective vaccines and treatments. The World Health Organization and other international bodies are collaborating with Peruvian health authorities to monitor the situation and provide support.

Also see

• 2022 monkeypox outbreak
• Monkeypox
• Orthopoxvirus
• Ministry of Health of Peru