Increased spread of monkeypox in Europe

On 22 May 2022, a monkeypox had been confirmed in 59 individuals in nine countries in Europe (Portugal, Spain, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom) and in addition 10 were suspected of being infected. The infection has also been detected in countries outside Europe such as the United States, Canada, Australia and Israel. Infections are therefore likely to be more widespread than current figures show. The epidemiological data available indicate that most of the infections occurred between humans but not from animals to humans, and during sexual intimacy, in many cases. It is likely that a monkey pox will arrive in Iceland in the near future, so we need to be as prepared as possible. Our preparation is to increase public and healthcare workers' awareness of the disease, ensure its rapid and safe diagnosis, apply isolation and quarantine as appropriate and provide the recommendations for preventive measures. To reduce the likelihood of monkey pox being introduced to Iceland and further distributed domestically, the Chief Epidemiologist wants to bring the following to the public's attention:

• Avoid close contact with strangers while travelling abroad, including sexual intercourse.

• If individuals who have been travelling abroad develop symptoms suggestive of monkey pox (see press release from 20.05.2022), they are advised to go to isolation and contact the healthcare service by telephone.

Those who are infected should keep a distance of at least two metres from others and avoid sharing clothing, towels and bedding with others, since infection can spread between people in this way. Infected individuals should also avoid contact with animals while they are infectious. People are infectious until the last blisters on their skin have dried, but it may take 2–3 weeks.