2022 monkeypox outbreak in Spain

2022 Monkeypox Outbreak in Spain
Disease	Monkeypox
Source	Human-to-human transmission
Location	Spain
Index case	May 2022
Confirmed cases	7,083 (as of October 2022)
Deaths	2

The 2022 monkeypox outbreak in Spain is part of a larger global outbreak of monkeypox that began in May 2022. Spain has been one of the countries most affected by the outbreak, with thousands of confirmed cases and several deaths reported.

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 to certain regions in Central and West Africa, but the 2022 outbreak has seen significant spread in non-endemic countries, including Spain.

Timeline

May 2022

The first cases in Spain were reported in May 2022. Initial cases were linked to a sauna in Madrid, which was subsequently closed to prevent further spread. The outbreak quickly expanded, with cases reported in other regions such as Catalonia and Andalusia.

June 2022

By June, Spain had become one of the countries with the highest number of monkeypox cases outside of Africa. The Spanish Ministry of Health began implementing measures to control the outbreak, including contact tracing and isolation of confirmed cases.

July 2022

In July, Spain reported its first monkeypox-related death, marking a significant development in the outbreak. The government intensified its public health response, including vaccination campaigns targeting high-risk groups.

August 2022

The number of cases continued to rise, prompting further public health interventions. Spain received additional doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine, which were distributed to regions with the highest incidence of cases.

September 2022

By September, the rate of new infections began to slow, attributed to increased public awareness and vaccination efforts. However, health officials remained vigilant due to the potential for further spread.

Public Health Response

The Spanish government, in collaboration with regional health authorities, implemented several measures to control the outbreak:

• Contact Tracing: Extensive contact tracing was conducted to identify and isolate individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.
• Vaccination: Targeted vaccination campaigns were launched, focusing on high-risk populations, including healthcare workers and individuals with multiple sexual partners.
• Public Awareness: Information campaigns were conducted to educate the public about monkeypox symptoms and prevention measures.

Impact

The outbreak had significant social and economic impacts in Spain. Public health resources were strained, and there was increased public concern about the spread of the virus. The outbreak also highlighted the need for improved surveillance and response mechanisms for emerging infectious diseases.

Also see

• 2022 monkeypox outbreak
• Monkeypox
• Public health in Spain
• Viral outbreaks in Europe