12th May 2023

WHO announced that mpox (monkeypox) is no longer a public health emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on 11 May that mpox, previously known as monkeypox, no longer poses an acute threat to public health across international borders. This declaration comes after mpox was initially classified as a Public Health Event of International Concern (PHEIC) in July 2022 in accordance with the International Health Regulation. Recent months have shown a significant decline in the number of cases reported and no changes in the severity and clinical manifestation of the disease. The WHO stressed that countries should remain vigilant but it is time to shift our focus towards long-term management.

Since the spring of 2022 when the disease began spreading in Europe and other parts of the world, Iceland has recorded a total of 16 cases of mpox. Previously, the disease had been predominantly limited to Africa and was considered rare elsewhere. No cases of mpox have been reported in Iceland so far this year.

MPX virus causes a disease, which is now called MPX virus infection but used to be called monkeypox. The disease can be mild to severe and is characterized by rashes, enlarged lymph nodes, and flu-like symptoms. The rash may precede or follow other symptoms and be localized or widespread. In this epidemic, most cases have been detected in men who have sex with men, but anyone who is in close contact with an infectious person can be infected, regardless of age, gender, or sexuality. Serious illness is rare and most of the time the disease goes away on its own, but there is specialized drug treatment. Immunocompromised individuals are particularly at increased risk of serious illness.

Images: Hospital Clínic de Barcelona (Spain)

Mpox causes a range of symptoms that can vary from mild to severe. These symptoms include rashes, swollen lymph nodes, and flu-like symptoms. The rash may appear before or after other symptoms and can either be localized or widespread. While the majority of cases in this epidemic have been observed in men who have sex with men, it is important to note that anyone in close contact with an infected individual can contract the disease, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation. Serious illness is uncommon, and most cases resolve on their own, however, a specialized drug treatment is available for specific indications. It is important to note that individuals with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of developing severe complications.

Recommendations to avoid infection include:

Practice safe sex, including limiting the number of partners and avoiding sex with strangers. Condoms can reduce but not completely eliminate the risk of infection.
Hand cleaning with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
Clean and disinfect objects/equipment that is shared and wash towels and linen at 60 °C.

See:

The Chief Epidemiologist