2022 monkeypox outbreak in Switzerland

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2022 Monkeypox Outbreak in Switzerland
250px
Electron micrograph of a monkeypox virion
DiseaseMonkeypox
SourceHuman-to-human transmission
LocationSwitzerland
Index caseMay 2022
Confirmed cases500 (as of December 2022)
Deaths
0
Government website
Federal Office of Public Health


The 2022 monkeypox outbreak in Switzerland was part of a global outbreak of monkeypox that began in May 2022. The outbreak was characterized by the spread of the monkeypox virus primarily through human-to-human transmission, affecting multiple countries worldwide, including Switzerland.

Background[edit | edit source]

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 increase in cases outside these regions.

Timeline of the Outbreak[edit | edit source]

Initial Cases[edit | edit source]

The first confirmed case of monkeypox in Switzerland was reported in May 2022. The patient had recently traveled to a country where monkeypox was spreading, suggesting an imported case.

Spread and Response[edit | edit source]

Following the initial case, the number of confirmed cases in Switzerland gradually increased. The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) implemented measures to control the spread, including contact tracing, isolation of confirmed cases, and public health advisories.

Vaccination and Treatment[edit | edit source]

In response to the outbreak, Switzerland procured vaccines and antiviral treatments. The JYNNEOS vaccine, which is effective against monkeypox, was made available to high-risk groups, including healthcare workers and close contacts of confirmed cases.

Epidemiology[edit | edit source]

The outbreak in Switzerland primarily affected men who have sex with men (MSM), similar to patterns observed in other countries. The virus spread through close physical contact, including sexual contact, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions.

Public Health Measures[edit | edit source]

The FOPH issued guidelines for healthcare providers on the identification and management of monkeypox cases. Public awareness campaigns were launched to educate the public about the symptoms and transmission of monkeypox.

Impact[edit | edit source]

The outbreak had a significant impact on public health resources in Switzerland. The need for rapid response and containment measures highlighted the importance of preparedness for emerging infectious diseases.

Also see[edit | edit source]


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