2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Israel

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2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Israel
Disease Mpox
Virus strain Monkeypox virus (West African clade)
LocationIsrael
Index case Ichilov General Hospital, Tel Aviv
Date20 May 2022 – ongoing (2 years and 1 day)
Confirmed cases121
Suspected cases0
Deaths
0
Government website
Ministry of Health (Israel)
Suspected cases have not been confirmed by laboratory tests as being due to this strain, although some other strains may have been ruled out.

The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Israel is a part of the ongoing outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. The outbreak was first reported in Israel on 20 May 2022 when the Health Ministry announced a suspected case which was confirmed on 21 May 2022. One month later, on 21 June, the first locally transmitted case was reported.

Contents

Currently, Israel is the most affected country in Asia and the 14th most affected country in the world. Israel was also the first in Asia to report a case.

Background

In May 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) made an emergency announcement of the existence of a multi-country outbreak of mpox, a viral disease then commonly known as "monkeypox". [1] The initial cluster of cases was found in the United Kingdom, [2] where the first case was detected in London on 6 May 2022 [3] in a patient with a recent travel history from Nigeria where the disease has been endemic. [4] On 16 May, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed four new cases with no link to travel to a country where mpox is endemic. [3] Subsequently, cases have been reported from many countries and regions. [5] The outbreak marked the first time mpox had spread widely outside Central and West Africa. The disease had been circulating and evolving in human hosts over a number of years prior to the outbreak and was caused by the clade IIb variant of the virus. [6]

On 23 July 2022, the Director-General of WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), stating that "we have an outbreak that has spread around the world rapidly, through new modes of transmission, about which we understand too little". [7] A global response to the outbreak included public awareness campaigns in order to reduce spread of the disease, and repurposing of smallpox vaccines. [8] [9]

Transmission

Stages of lesion development. Stages of monkeypox lesion development.jpg
Stages of lesion development.

A large portion of those infected were believed to have not recently traveled to areas of Africa where mpox is normally found, such as Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as central and western Africa. It is believed to be transmitted by close contact with sick people, with extra caution for those individuals with lesions on their skin or genitals, along with their bedding and clothing. The CDC has also stated that individuals should avoid contact and consumption of dead animals such as rats, squirrels, monkeys and apes along with wild game or lotions derived from animals in Africa. [10]

In addition to more common symptoms, such as fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and rashes or lesions, some patients have also experienced proctitis, an inflammation of the rectum lining. CDC has also warned clinicians to not rule out mpox in patients with sexually transmitted infections since there have been reports of co-infections with syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes. [11]

History

Imported case before the outbreak

In 2018, an imported case was detected in Israel. A 38-year-old man came from Rivers State, Nigeria in late September. He showed the symptoms of the disease on that month. Later on October the patient sought medical attention at Shaare-Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem. He was confirmed to be infected with the West African Clade of monkeypox virus that month. All of the patient's contacts were traced and followed up but no virus transmission were detected. [12]

Arrival

Ichilov General Hospital (in the middle) in Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, where the first case was isolated Tel Aviv 20.05.11 008.jpg
Ichilov General Hospital (in the middle) in Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, where the first case was isolated

As the outbreak was spreading in Europe in the middle of May 2022, the Israeli Health Ministry reported a suspected mpox case in the country on 20 May. The case was confirmed by testing on 21 May, becoming the first case in Israel during the outbreak.

The 30-year-old man returned from Western Europe and contracted the disease from there. The ministry reported that he was in isolation in the Ichilov General Hospital in Tel Aviv. [13] [14]

Spread

The Ministry of Health reported the first case of community transmission on 21 June 2022. [15]

Timeline

Mpox cases in Israel  ()
     Deaths        Confirmed cases
MayMayJunJunJulJul
Last 15 daysLast 15 days
Date
Cases (rise)
Deaths (rise)
2022-05-21
1(n.a.)
2022-05-22
1(=)
2022-05-23
1(=)
2022-05-24
1(=)
2022-05-25
1(=)
2022-05-26
1(=)
2022-05-27
1(=)
2022-05-28
2(+1)
2022-05-29
2(=)
2022-05-30
2(=)
2022-05-31
2(=)
2022-06-01
2(=)
2022-06-02
2(=)
2022-06-03
2(=)
2022-06-04
2(=)
2022-06-05
2(=)
2022-06-06
2(=)
2022-06-07
3(+1)
2022-06-08
3(=)
2022-06-09
4(+1)
2022-06-10
4(=)
2022-06-11
4(=)
2022-06-12
4(=)
2022-06-13
4(=)
2022-06-14
4(=)
2022-06-15
5(+1)
2022-06-16
6(+1)
2022-06-17
6(=)
2022-06-18
6(=)
2022-06-19
6(=)
2022-06-20
9(+3)
2022-06-21
11(+2)
2022-06-22
13(+2)
2022-06-23
16(+3)
2022-06-24
16(=)
2022-06-25
16(=)
2022-06-26
18(+2)
2022-06-27
29(+11)
2022-06-28
33(+4)
2022-06-29
38(+5)
2022-06-30
42(+4)
2022-07-01
42(=)
2022-07-02
42(=)
2022-07-03
50(+8)
2022-07-04
52(+2)
2022-07-05
55(+3)
2022-07-06
55(=)
2022-07-07
59(+4)
2022-07-08
59(=)
2022-07-09
59(=)
2022-07-10
61(+2)
2022-07-11
66(+5)
2022-07-12
73(+7)
2022-07-13
80(+7)
2022-07-14
88(+8)
2022-07-15
90(+2)
2022-07-16
90(=)
2022-07-17
96(+6)
2022-07-18
96(=)
2022-07-19
102(+6)
2022-07-20
102(=)
2022-07-21
105(+3)
2022-07-22
105(=)
2022-07-23
105(=)
2022-07-24
114(+9)
2022-07-25
114(=)
2022-07-26
121(+7)
2022-07-27
121(=)

May 2022

June 2022

July 2022

Responses

Cases and statistics

See also

Notes

    Related Research Articles

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Mpox</span> Viral disease of humans and animals

    Mpox is an infectious viral disease that can occur in humans and other animals. Symptoms include a rash that forms blisters and then crusts over, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. The illness is usually mild and most of those infected will recover within a few weeks without treatment. The time from exposure to onset of symptoms ranges from five to twenty-one days and symptoms typically last from two to four weeks. Cases may be severe, especially in children, pregnant women or people with suppressed immune systems.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2022–2023 mpox outbreak</span>

    In May 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) made an emergency announcement of the existence of a multi-country outbreak of mpox, a viral disease then commonly known as "monkeypox". The initial cluster of cases was found in the United Kingdom, where the first case was detected in London on 6 May 2022 in a patient with a recent travel history from Nigeria where the disease has been endemic. On 16 May, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed four new cases with no link to travel to a country where mpox is endemic. Subsequently, cases have been reported from many countries and regions. The outbreak marked the first time mpox had spread widely outside Central and West Africa. The disease had been circulating and evolving in human hosts over a number of years prior to the outbreak and was caused by the clade IIb variant of the virus.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2022–2023 mpox outbreak in the United Kingdom</span> Ongoing viral outbreak

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in the United Kingdom is part of the larger outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade (type) of the monkeypox virus. The United Kingdom was the first country, outside of the endemic African areas, to experience an outbreak. As of 22 July 2022, there were 2,208 confirmed cases in the United Kingdom, with 2,115 in England, 54 in Scotland, 24 in Wales, and 15 in Northern Ireland.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Canada</span> Ongoing viral outbreak

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Canada is a part of the outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. The outbreak started in Canada on May 19, 2022, with the country since then becoming one of the most affected in the Americas.

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Portugal is part of the larger outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. Portugal was the third country, outside of the African countries with endemic mpox, to experience an outbreak in 2022.

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Italy is part of the larger outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. Italy was the sixth country, outside of the African countries with endemic mpox, to experience an outbreak in 2022. The first case was documented in Rome, Italy, on May 19, 2022. As of August 5th, Italy has 505 cases.

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Belgium is part of the larger outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. Belgium was the fifth country, outside of the African countries with endemic mpox, to experience an outbreak in 2022. The first case was documented in Antwerp, Belgium, on 19 May 2022. As of 10 August, Belgium has 546 cases and 1 suspected case.

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Australia is a part of the outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. The outbreak reached Australia on 20 May 2022. By 28 October 2022 there were over 140 confirmed cases. The Chief Medical Officer of Australia stood down the country's Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance declaration on 25 November 2022.

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Switzerland is a part of the outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. The outbreak started in Switzerland on 19 May 2022, with the country since then becoming one of the most affected in Europe.

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Austria is part of the larger outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. Austria is the fifteenth country outside of Africa to experience an endemic mpox outbreak. The first case was reported in Vienna, Austria, on 22 May 2022. As of 2 December, Austria has confirmed a total of 327 cases.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Mexico</span> Ongoing viral outbreak

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Mexico is part of the larger outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. Mexico is the twenty-fourth country outside of Africa to experience an endemic mpox outbreak. The first case was reported in Mexico City, Mexico, on May 28, 2022. As of December 8th 2022, Mexico had confirmed a total of 3455 cases in all 32 states and 4 deaths.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Brazil</span> Ongoing outbreak of mpox in Brazil

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Brazil is a part of the ongoing outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. The outbreak was first reported in Brazil on 9 June 2022 when a man in São Paulo was registered as the country's index case.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2022–2023 mpox outbreak in India</span> Ongoing outbreak of mpox in India

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in India is a part of the ongoing outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. The outbreak was first reported in India on 14 July 2022 when Kerala's State Health Minister Veena George announced a suspected imported case which was confirmed hours later by the NIV. India was the tenth country to report a mpox case in Asia and the first in South Asia. Currently, India has reported 23 cases of mpox.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Asia</span> Ongoing outbreak of mpox in Asia

    The 2022 mpox outbreak in Asia is a part of the ongoing outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. The outbreak was reported in Asia on 20 May 2022 when Israel reported a suspected case of mpox, which was confirmed on 21 May. As of 10 August 2022, seven West Asian, three Southeast Asian, three East Asian and one South Asian country, along with Russia, have reported confirmed cases.

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in the Netherlands is an ongoing global outbreak which has also spread in the Netherlands. The RIVM declared the disease an A-disease which makes it mandatory to report suspected cases to the GGD. The first human case of mpox in the Netherlands has been identified at the 21 May 2022. The outbreak does have a noticeable impact at the society, especially with people spreading misinformation related to the virus. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands has increased the fear among the community for a new pandemic like mpox.

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Europe is a part of the outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. The outbreak reached Europe on 6 May 2022 when the United Kingdom reported their first case of mpox. As of 13 July 2022, 35 European countries and territories have confirmed cases.

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Taiwan is a part of the larger outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Taiwan's first mpox case was reported on 24 June 2022.

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in South Africa is a part of the larger outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. South Africa was the forty-seventh country, outside of the African countries with endemic mpox, to experience an outbreak in 2022. The first case of mpox in South Africa was on June 23, 2022.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Chile</span> Ongoing viral outbreak

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Chile is a part of the outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. The outbreak reached Chile on 17 June 2022.

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Ghana is a part of the larger outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. As opposed to its West African neighbours, Ghana had no endemic presence of mpox, only experiencing it during the 2022 outbreak. The first 5 cases of mpox in Ghana was detected on June 8, 2022.

    References

    1. "Multi-country monkeypox outbreak in non-endemic countries". World Health Organization. May 21, 2022. Archived from the original on May 22, 2022. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
    2. "So, Have You Heard About Monkeypox?". The Atlantic . May 19, 2022. Archived from the original on June 23, 2022. Retrieved June 2, 2022.
    3. 1 2 "Monkeypox cases confirmed in England – latest updates". GOV.UK. September 6, 2022. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
    4. "Monkeypox – United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland". World Health Organization. May 16, 2022. Archived from the original on May 17, 2022. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
    5. "2022 Mpox Outbreak Global Map | Mpox | Poxvirus | CDC". www.cdc.gov. September 12, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
    6. Sample, Ian (November 2, 2023). "Mpox circulated for five years before global explosion in 2022, research finds". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved December 1, 2023.
    7. "WHO Director-General declares the ongoing monkeypox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern". World Health Organization (WHO). July 23, 2022. Retrieved August 4, 2022.
    8. "Monkeypox – Campaign details". Department of Health and Social Care – Campaign Resource Centre. Archived from the original on May 28, 2023. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
    9. "Protecting you from mpox (monkeypox): information on the smallpox vaccination". GOV.UK. Archived from the original on May 28, 2023. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
    10. Vargas, Ramon Antonio (June 7, 2022). "US raises monkeypox alert level but says risk to public remains low". the Guardian. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
    11. "Monkeypox update: Where the outbreak stands now".
    12. Erez, Noam; Achdout, Hagit; Milrot, Elad; Schwartz, Yuval; Wiener-Well, Yonit; Paran, Nir; Politi, Boaz; Tamir, Hadas; Israely, Tomer; Weiss, Shay; Beth-Din, Adi; Shifman, Ohad; Israeli, Ofir; Yitzhaki, Shmuel; Shapira, Shmuel C.; Melamed, Sharon; Schwartz, Eli (May 25, 2019). "Diagnosis of Imported Monkeypox, Israel, 2018". Emerging Infectious Diseases. 25 (5): 980–983. doi:10.3201/eid2505.190076. PMC   6478227 . PMID   30848724.
    13. Efrati, Ido. "Israel Confirms First Case of Monkeypox Virus". Haaretz . Retrieved July 11, 2022.
    14. "Israel, Switzerland report first monkeypox cases as virus spreads". Al Jazeera . Retrieved July 11, 2022.
    15. "שלושה גברים נוספים אובחנו בישראל כחולים באבעבועות הקוף" [Three other men diagnosed with monkeypox in Israel]. Ministry of Health (Israel) (in Hebrew). Retrieved July 11, 2022.