ECDC: Risk of mpox virus outbreak low in Europe
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control ECDC, the risk of an mpox outbreak in Europe exists but is very unlikely. In particular risk groups and persons with close personal contact with diagnosed or suspected cases have a moderate or high risk of contracting the virus. The ECDC published its risk assessment on mpox today (16 August 2024). According to the THL, Finland and other parts of Europe are well prepared to combat and diagnose possible cases of mpox.
The Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa and its neighbouring countries are currently experiencing Africa's second largest mpox outbreak. Starting from November 2023, there have been 16,000 reported cases of mpox and 500 of those who contracted the virus are believed to have died.
There have also been mpox outbreaks in the region previously. The two subtypes of clade I of mpox cause infections. and their method of transmission and the nature of the disease differ from one another.
Mpox is a zoonosis meaning a disease that spreads from animals to humans, and also spreads from person to person. The spread of the virus usually requires close contact with another person. The disease usually heals by itself
Two different clades of the virus known
Two different linages are known for the mpox virus. The outbreak caused by clade II began in Europe and North America in summer 2022. The virus spread in particular through sex between men.
A total of 43 cases were reported in Finland in 2022-2023, and all those diagnosed were adult men. There have been no cases this year.
"In Finland, preventive measures have been focused on the disease's risk groups, which has helped reduce the number of cases" says THL Chief Physician Leif Lakoma.
The clade I virus, which has caused the now ongoing outbreak has given rise to outbreaks in Africa at least from the 1970s. The disease has spread in particular when people have been in contact with live or dead wild animals and their family members. Now, it has been found for the first time that clade I spreads through sexual contact.
Two subtypes of clade I, Ia and Ib, are currently circulating in Central Africa. Subtype Ib seems to be causing adults in particular to fall ill, while subtype Ia is mainly causing illness in children.
This week, the first case of clade I outside of Africa was diagnosed in Sweden. The virus had been contracted in Africa's outbreak area.
WHO declares the mpox outbreak in Central Africa a global health emergency
On 14 August 2024, the World Health Organization WHO declared the current mpox outbreak in Central Africa, meaning the one that began in 2023, a global health emergency. A similar practice has been used eight times starting in 2009.
The previous declaration due to the mpox virus came to an end in May 2023. The action will help WHO and its partners coordinate the management of the outbreak and channel funding for this.
Around 3,000 mpox vaccinations administered in Finland - vaccines still available
A vaccine is used against mpox, and it is offered to people who have been exposed, to people in close personal contact with a person who has been diagnosed with the virus and those at high risk of infection.
In Finland, the administration of vaccinations began in autumn 2022. A total of around 2,000 vaccinations were administered in 2022 and around 1,000 in 2023. It is recommended that those at risk, who do not have the protection provided by having had the disease or having had two vaccine doses, still be vaccinated to prevent infections. The wellbeing services counties are responsible for organising vaccinations.
Vaccination of risk groups is important in Europe due to the disease caused by the still circulating clade II. Based on current information, the vaccine will likely also protect from the disease caused by clade I.
Risk groups include:
- Men who have sex with men and who have had several occasional sexual partners during the past six months
- Men who use HIV preventive PrEP medication and have sex with men
- Men who are awaiting PrEP treatment and have sex with men
Additional information
ECDC risk assessment 16 August 2024
WHO news item 14 August 2024
Leif Lakoma
Chief Physician
THL
Tel. + 358 29 524 7898
[email protected]
