Portugal has identified three outbreaks of mpox since 2022. The most recent one has been active since June 1st. The data from the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) confirms nine cases as of August 31, 2024.
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Details of the Mpox Outbreaks
In the first outbreak, which occurred between May 3, 2022, and March 27, 2023. It reported 956 cases and two deaths of immunocompromised patients. The second outbreak followed from June 2023 to March 31, 2024.
This time around, 241 cases were reported. In total, 1,206 cases were reported in the National Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (SINAVE). Lastly, there is the recent outbreak.
According to the DGS 9 cases are reported in the third one as of now. The reports suggest that the age of the nine reported cases varies between 26 and 50 years old, with the median being 39 years old.
Of the confirmed cases with available information, six were reported in the North region, one in Lisbon and Vale do Tejo, and one in the Algarve. According to the health authority, eight of the cases involved men who have sex with men; two were vaccinated, and three were people living with HIV.
The DGS in information published on its website said that :
Considering the 21 days prior to the onset of symptoms, one (12%) case reported frequent saunas, 3 (38%) had sexual contact with multiple partners and one (12%) participated in group and/or anonymous sex activities; one (12%) case reported traveling abroad.
Global Response and the New Subclade
The Directorate-General for Health emphasizes that, so far, they have not identified any cases caused by the new clade I or subclade Ib strain. This strain was first detected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in September 2023 and later reported in several neighboring countries as well as in Sweden.
Since vaccines became available on June 16, 2022, until September 3, 9,943 people in Portugal have been vaccinated. Of the 17,460 doses administered, 16,143 (92.5%) were given in a pre-exposure context.
Portugal was the second country to report cases of an outbreak that became worldwide. This outbreak led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) between July 23, 2022 and May 11, 2023.
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The mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo saw increased cases and deaths on August 14, 2024. The new subclade Ib and its rapid spread across the DRC and neighboring countries led the World Health Organization to take immediate action.
They declared a new Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This move aimed to ensure a coordinated global response to curb transmission chains and prioritize vaccination efforts.
Prevention and Control Measures
Additionally, the DGS emphasizes the critical importance of early case detection, laboratory testing, epidemiological investigation, and efficient case management under the current WHO declaration of PHEIC.
It stresses the need for contact tracing, vaccination, and collaboration with civil society and international partners to minimize transmission and promote rapid prevention and control methods.
The new variant transmits easily through close contact between individuals. It spreads without requiring sexual contact and is considered more dangerous than the 2022 variant.
Previous outbreaks where lesions were mainly visible on the chest, hands, and feet. However, the new strain causes mild symptoms and lesions on the genitals, making it harder to identify. Therefore, people are more likely to unknowingly infect others without realizing they are infected.
