Monkeypox outbreak in the Tel Aviv District, Israel, 2022

Abstract

Objectives: From May-September 2022, 203 cases of monkeypox (MPX) were reported in the Tel Aviv (TA) District, Israel. We aim to report the first ongoing local transmission of MPX in Israel. Methods: We analyzed the epidemiologic and clinical features of all cases of MPX notified to the TA District. Each case was contacted to verify the source of infection and locate potential contacts. Results: All cases were men; 195 (96%) were among men having sex with men, and 171 (84%) resided in the city of TA. Median age was 35 years. One case occurred in a healthcare worker. All cases had a self-limiting disease. Conclusion: A combined public health campaign with vaccination against MPX of high-risk individuals leads to a decrease in disease rates. Enhanced surveillance and prevention among susceptible populations are warranted.

Keywords

• Monkeypox
• Monkeypox outbreak
• Epidemiology