Epidemiological update: Monkeypox multi-country outbreak - ISS-G20 Laboratorium Repository

Background of the event

Monkeypox (MPX) is a zoonotic disease and is currently the most prevalent orthopoxviral infection in humans after the eradication of smallpox and the cessation of universal smallpox vaccination. In endemic areas, monkeypox virus (MPXV) probably circulates among a number of mammals, although there is no known reservoir. Occasional spill-over events to humans generate outbreaks. MPXV is transmitted to humans through bite or direct contact with an infected animal’s blood, meat, bodily fluids, or cutaneous/mucosal lesions.

This report presents an update of MPX confirmed cases in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) and worldwide. Cases detected in the EU/EEA have been reported according to the ECDC case definition (Figure 3, page 6) and are obtained through screening of official websites. Cases reported from outside the EU/EEA are collected through screening of official websites and media sources.

EU/EEA update

As of 31 May, a total of 321 cases have been confirmed from 17 EU/EEA Member States (Table 1, Figure 2). Most cases are in young men, self-identifying as MSM. There have been no deaths. The clinical presentation is generally described to be mild, with most cases presenting with lesions on the genitalia or peri-genital area, indicating that transmission likely occurred by close physical contact during sexual activities. Multiple countries have reported cases which appear to be linked to events taking place in Spain (Madrid and the Canary Islands) and Belgium (Antwerp). However, many countries also report cases with no known epidemiological link to travel abroad, contact with other cases, animals or attendance to specific events.

Entire content available on: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/epidemiological-update-monkeypox-multi-country-outbreak-0