2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Austria

2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Austria

The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Austria was part of the global 2022–2023 mpox outbreak, which saw the spread of the mpox virus beyond its endemic regions in Africa to various countries worldwide, including Austria. The outbreak in Austria began in May 2022 and continued into 2023, with health authorities implementing measures to control the spread of the virus.

Stages of monkeypox lesion development

Background

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the mpox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease is characterized by symptoms similar to those of smallpox, though generally milder. The virus is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus.

The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak marked a significant event as it involved widespread human-to-human transmission outside of Africa, where the disease is typically endemic. The outbreak prompted global health responses and raised awareness about the disease.

Timeline of the outbreak in Austria

The first case of mpox in Austria was reported in May 2022. The patient was a man who had recently traveled to a country with known cases of mpox. Following this initial case, additional cases were identified, primarily among men who have sex with men (MSM), a group that was disproportionately affected during the outbreak.

Throughout 2022, the number of cases in Austria fluctuated, with peaks corresponding to increased social gatherings and travel. The Austrian health authorities, in collaboration with international health organizations, implemented measures such as contact tracing, isolation of confirmed cases, and public health campaigns to educate the public about the symptoms and transmission of mpox.

Public health response

The Austrian government, alongside the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), took several steps to manage the outbreak. These included:

• Surveillance and Reporting: Enhanced surveillance systems were put in place to monitor the spread of the virus and report new cases promptly.
• Vaccination Campaigns: Vaccination efforts were targeted at high-risk groups, including healthcare workers and MSM, using the smallpox vaccine, which provides cross-protection against mpox.
• Public Awareness: Information campaigns were launched to educate the public about the symptoms of mpox, modes of transmission, and preventive measures.

Clinical features and management

Mpox typically presents with a prodrome of fever, headache, muscle aches, and lymphadenopathy, followed by a characteristic rash. The rash progresses through several stages, from macules to papules, vesicles, pustules, and finally scabs.

Management of mpox is primarily supportive, focusing on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications. Antiviral treatments, such as tecovirimat, may be used in severe cases or in patients with underlying health conditions.

Impact on society

The mpox outbreak in Austria had significant social and economic impacts. Public health measures, including isolation and quarantine, affected daily life and the economy. The outbreak also highlighted the importance of global health preparedness and the need for robust healthcare systems to respond to emerging infectious diseases.

Related pages

• Mpox
• 2022–2023 mpox outbreak
• Orthopoxvirus
• World Health Organization