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New Monkeypox Reporting Protocol for Europe

Joint ECDC-WHO Bulletin Released

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have released a new reporting protocol for monkeypox surveillance in Europe. This protocol aims to improve the collection and sharing of data on monkeypox cases to better understand the epidemiology of the disease and to inform public health responses.

Outbreak in Europe

In May 2022, an atypical outbreak of monkeypox was declared in the WHO European Region. This outbreak has been characterized by a high number of cases among men who have sex with men and by the presence of cases in countries where the disease is not typically found. The new reporting protocol aims to provide timely and accurate information on the spread of monkeypox in Europe to help guide public health interventions and to prevent further transmission.

Zoonotic Disease

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it is transmitted from animals to humans. The virus that causes monkeypox is closely related to the virus that causes smallpox, but it is not as severe. Monkeypox can be transmitted through close contact with infected animals or humans, or through contact with contaminated objects. The disease typically causes fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, and it can be fatal in some cases.

Surveillance and Response

The new reporting protocol provides guidance for healthcare providers and public health officials on how to report monkeypox cases to the ECDC and WHO. The protocol includes information on the clinical presentation of monkeypox, the laboratory testing criteria, and the case definitions used for surveillance. The protocol also outlines the steps that should be taken to prevent further transmission of the disease, including isolation and contact tracing.

The ECDC and WHO are working closely with national health authorities in Europe to implement the new reporting protocol. The information collected through this protocol will be used to monitor the spread of monkeypox in Europe and to inform public health interventions. The protocol is part of a broader effort to strengthen surveillance and response to monkeypox in Europe and to prevent further transmission of the disease.