Timeline of the 2022–2023 mpox outbreak

Timeline of the 2022–2023 Mpox Outbreak

The 2022–2023 Mpox outbreak refers to a significant global spread of Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, a viral disease caused by the Mpox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. This outbreak marked a notable increase in the transmission of Mpox outside of the traditional endemic regions in Central and West Africa, affecting numerous countries across the world.

Background

Mpox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. It shares similarities with smallpox, a related orthopoxvirus, but is generally less severe. Before the 2022 outbreak, Mpox was primarily confined to remote parts of Central and West Africa, where it is endemic. The virus is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected animal, human, or contaminated materials. The disease is characterized by fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.

Timeline

2022

• May 2022: The first cases of the 2022 outbreak were reported in the United Kingdom. These initial cases were notable for occurring outside of the traditional endemic areas and without a direct link to travel from those regions.
• June 2022: The World Health Organization (WHO) reported cases in over 20 countries, signaling a global spread. Health authorities noted the transmission among men who have sex with men as a significant factor in the outbreak's dynamics.
• July 2022: The WHO declared the Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), highlighting its potential to pose a significant threat to global health.
• August 2022: Vaccination campaigns began in several countries, utilizing vaccines originally developed for smallpox to control the spread of Mpox.

2023

• January 2023: A decline in cases was reported in many countries, attributed to increased awareness, vaccination efforts, and public health interventions.
• March 2023: The WHO reported that the global outbreak was slowing, but urged continued vigilance, especially in countries where the virus is endemic.

Impact

The 2022–2023 Mpox outbreak had a significant impact on public health systems worldwide. It underscored the importance of global health surveillance, the need for equitable access to vaccines and treatments, and the effectiveness of public health interventions in controlling the spread of infectious diseases. The outbreak also highlighted the challenges of managing emerging infectious diseases in a highly interconnected world.

Response

The global response to the Mpox outbreak involved coordination between international health organizations, national governments, and local health departments. Efforts focused on increasing public awareness, enhancing surveillance and diagnostic capabilities, and implementing vaccination campaigns. The outbreak response also emphasized the importance of addressing stigma and discrimination, which can hinder effective public health measures.

See Also

• Orthopoxvirus
• Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)
• Zoonotic disease
• Viral disease