2022 monkeypox outbreak in Portugal

2022 Monkeypox Outbreak in Portugal
Disease	Monkeypox
Source	Human-to-human transmission
Location	Portugal
Index case	May 2022
Confirmed cases	900+ (as of October 2022)
Deaths	0

The 2022 monkeypox outbreak in Portugal is part of a larger global outbreak of monkeypox that began in May 2022. The outbreak in Portugal was one of the first significant clusters of cases reported in Europe, contributing to the international spread of the disease.

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

Initial Cases

The first cases in Portugal were reported in early May 2022. The initial cluster was identified in the Lisbon and Tagus Valley region. The cases were primarily among young men, many of whom identified as men who have sex with men (MSM).

Spread and Response

By June 2022, the number of confirmed cases had risen significantly, prompting public health authorities to implement measures to control the spread. These included contact tracing, isolation of confirmed cases, and public awareness campaigns.

The Portuguese Directorate-General of Health (DGS) worked closely with international health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), to monitor and respond to the outbreak.

Epidemiology

The outbreak in Portugal was characterized by human-to-human transmission, primarily through close contact. The majority of cases were reported in urban areas, with a significant number linked to social events and gatherings.

Clinical Features

Patients typically presented with fever, headache, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash. The rash often began on the face and spread to other parts of the body. Most cases were mild, and there were no reported deaths in Portugal as of October 2022.

Public Health Measures

The Portuguese government implemented several public health measures to control the outbreak, including:

• Vaccination: Targeted vaccination campaigns were initiated for high-risk groups.
• Public Awareness: Information campaigns were launched to educate the public about monkeypox symptoms and prevention.
• Surveillance: Enhanced surveillance and reporting systems were established to track the spread of the virus.

Impact

The outbreak had a significant impact on public health resources in Portugal, necessitating a coordinated response from multiple sectors. It also highlighted the need for improved global surveillance and preparedness for emerging infectious diseases.

Also see

• Monkeypox
• 2022 monkeypox outbreak
• Public health in Portugal
• Zoonotic diseases