Overview of case definitions and contact tracing indications in the 2022 monkeypox outbreak

Abstract

Background: In 2022, a new outbreak of the Mpox virus occurred outside of Africa, its usual endemic area. The virus was detected in European, American, Asian, and Oceanian countries where Mpox is uncommon or had not been reported previously and where the spread was rapid. The study aims to compare the case definition and the indications for contact tracing in case of Mpox infection among the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and four European Countries. Methods: From August 2022 to November 2022, we conducted research, first on the WHO and ECDC official websites and then on the official websites of the Ministry of Health or National Health Agencies of four European Countries (Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal). All reports found were compared to enlighten the differences in the definition of the case and indications for contact tracing. Results:The WHO divides the case definition into four categories: suspected, probable, confirmed, and discarded, while the ECDC divides cases into confirmed and probable. The ECDC defines contact as close and others, while the WHO divides it into high, medium, and minimal risk. The four countries analyzed show heterogeneity in both the case definitions and the indications for contact tracing. Conclusions: Our analysis revealed heterogeneity in the case definition between the WHO and ECDC. Different countries followed different indications or have given their indications for both the case definition and contact tracing indications. Harmonization strengthens public health preparedness and response and creates unified communication.

A Review of Mpox Outbreak and Public Health Response in Spain

“…The risk of transmission of mpox in this group exists and must be communicated, although it has remained low throughout the outbreak Ena J et al 13 N/A Editorial: Revista Clínica Española 2022 Tecovirimat is the only drug approved by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of Mpox. Guarducci G et al 14 N/A Overview of case definitions and contact tracing indications in the 2022 monkeypox outbreak 2022 Harmonizing case definition is important to strengthen public health preparedness and response and create unified communication. Contact tracing is a key public health measure to control the spread of infectious diseases, such as Mpox.…”

“… 6 The control strategy for the outbreak in Spain, limited to vaccination and contact tracing, was shown to be sufficient both to control the epidemic curve in men who have sex with other men and to avoid spreading the disease to other groups. 14 …”

Factors Influencing the Healthcare Workers’ Willingness to Receive the COVID-19 Booster Dose in Tuscany (Italy)

“…When addressing vaccine hesitancy, it is crucial to recognize the array of concerns healthcare providers may have [ 52 ]. Indeed, achieving herd immunity, along with other public health measures, is key to both pandemic preparedness and public health responses [ 53 ].…”

Infezioni in Medicina

“…The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency as a result of the outbreak's extraordinary rate of spread [2,3]. Public health authorities have adopted rigorous protocols and case definitions to guide early recognition of mpox cases [6]. Not only is early identification conducive to halt disease spread but also to discern patients at high risk for complications who require treatment [7].…”