2023-12-21-世界卫生组织-Multi-country_outbreak_of_mpox,_External_situation_report_31_–_22_December_2023_16页_959kb

Multi-Country Mpox Outbreak Summary: External Situation Report 31 (December 2023)

Overview

This report, published on 22 December 2023, provides an update on the global mpox outbreak based on World Health Organization (WHO) data received by 30 November 2023. It covers epidemiological trends, risk assessments, and special focuses on cruise ship and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) situations.

Global Epidemiological Trends

• Total cumulative laboratory-confirmed mpox cases from 1 January 2022 to 30 November 2023: 92,783 cases, including 171 deaths.
• New cases in November 2023: 906, showing a 26% increase month-on-month.
• Primary regions by case count: Region of the Americas (60,400 cases), European Region (26,654), Western Pacific Region (2,760), South-East Asia Region (748), African Region (2,126), and Eastern Mediterranean Region (95).
• Transmission varies: Extensive in Europe and Americas, low in Western Pacific and South-East Asia, and relatively low in Africa, with suspected cases driven by under-laboratory confirmation.
• Cases predominantly male (96.4%, median age 34 years), with sexual transmission being the most common mode (83.1% of reported events).

Risk Assessment

• WHO assesses mpox risk for the general population in countries with past or current cases as moderate; for countries not previously affected, the risk is low.
• Specific groups, such as gay/bisexual men, other men who have sex with men, trans and gender diverse individuals, and sex workers, face moderate risk due to ongoing transmission.
• Clade IIb variant is circulating, and immunity depends on prior exposure or vaccination; immunosuppressed individuals are at higher risk.

Special Focus: Cruise Ship Outbreak

• In early December, a mpox case on a South-East Asian itinerary cruise ship highlighted risks; 90% of cases involve sexual contact during gatherings.
• Incubation period typically 2-21 days; WHO advises monitoring and contact tracing, with recommendations for cruise operators and event organizers to enhance prevention.

Special Focus: Mpox in Democratic Republic of the Congo

• DRC reports high mpox burden (19,034 suspected cases, 820 deaths CFR 4.3% by end of November 2023).
• Majority of cases among children under 15 years; limited testing means 70% are suspected and not confirmed.
• Mission identified gaps in coordination, diagnostics, and training; recommended strengthening surveillance, decentralizing testing, and improving risk communication.

WHO Recommendations and Resources

• Strengthen case detection, vaccination, and infection control; reduce stigma and discrimination.
• Provide public health advice for gatherings, sexual health, and testing.
• Refer to global guidelines, resources, and previous situation reports for detailed actions.

Key Annexes

• Data tables and figures show regional breakdowns and trends.
• Notes caution on reporting variability due to differing national practices and surveillance methods.