Monkeypox, ECDC: spring-summer risk of increased cases in Europe

From 16 May 2022 to 4 April 2023, 21,170 Mpox cases and six deaths were reported in 29 European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries. The majority were men (98.1%), aged between 18 and 40 years (64.6%). European health sources point to the risk of an increase in the spring and summer season due to festivities and increased holiday travel. Early diagnosis, isolation and contact tracing remain crucial for effective infection control and should be supported by vaccination strategies and appropriate behavioural precautions. This is the warning of the ECDC, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, in a report published to provide guidance to National Health Authorities on surveillance, testing, isolation, tracing and communication to vulnerable groups to reduce the risk of infection.