Mpox, clade Ib, local transmission, Europe: Locally acquired Mpox clade Ib cases have been confirmed in Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, and Portugal, marking the first sustained transmission of this strain in Europe. Unlike earlier travel-associated cases, these infections occurred among men who have sex with men (MSM) with no travel history to endemic African regions, suggesting ongoing transmission within sexual networks. Similar cases have also been detected in California, USA. The overall risk to the general population remains low, but infection risk is moderate for MSM. Early data suggest possible higher severity for clade Ib in comparison to clade II which has been circulating since 2022. Authorities urge for accessible testing, vaccination, rapid case isolation, and contact tracing.
Hepatitis A, Czechia: Czechia is facing its most severe hepatitis A outbreak since 1989, with over 1,842 confirmed cases and 21 deaths. Prague, the epicenter, accounts for nearly half of all cases, and continues to report dozens of new infections weekly. The outbreak is now spreading beyond the capital, signaling broader community transmission. The hepatitis A virus, primarily transmitted via the fecal–oral route and contaminated surfaces, thrives in settings with poor hygiene and low immunity. The disease has been particularly severe among middle-aged and older adults and those with chronic liver conditions. Health authorities emphasize vaccination, hygiene, and rapid case detection. The outbreak reflects waning population immunity after decades without major epidemics and aligns with rising hepatitis A activity across Central Europe.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (Rickettsia rickettsii), Mexico: An outbreak in Chihuahua has resulted in 89 confirmed cases and 43 deaths (case fatality rate ~50%). The disease, transmitted by infected tick bites, has primarily affected children and rural populations with high tick exposure. Health officials have intensified vector control measures and awareness campaigns to promote early diagnosis and prompt antibiotic treatment, which is critical to survival.
Oropouche virus, Panama: More than 600 cases of Oropouche fever have been confirmed across Panama, following the virus’s introduction from neighboring Colombia. This mosquito- and midge-borne virus causes fever, headache, and joint pain, and can occasionally lead to neurological complications. Authorities are conducting entomological surveillance and vector control interventions to curb the spread in urban and semi-urban areas.
Rift Valley fever, Senegal: The outbreak in Senegal has expanded to over 300 human cases across eight regions, with ongoing animal infections. The spread is associated with post-rainy season mosquito proliferation. Rift Valley fever, which affects both humans and livestock, poses dual threats to public health and agriculture. Health and veterinary services are coordinating to implement joint vector control and vaccination efforts to contain the outbreak.
The ESCMID-AUMC Epi Alert, a strategic collaboration between the ESCMID Emerging Infections Subcommittee and the Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine of Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC) that integrates expertise and resources to advance emerging infectious diseases surveillance and intelligence sharing. This collaboration integrates ESCMID's extensive international network and emerging infections expertise with AUMC's proven surveillance capabilities, led by Dr. Abraham Goorhuis and the AUMC team.
The Epi Alert aims for weekly publication, with frequency adapted to emerging threats. The briefings are curated by infectious disease specialists prioritising data from trusted sources (WHO, ECDC, CDC, ProMED) based on potential impact, geographic region and urgency/relevancy to clinical practice. It aims to provide concise summaries for busy healthcare professionals with direct links for further investigation and transparency.
This integrated collaboration represents a significant milestone in ESCMID's commitment to emerging infections preparedness, strengthening our collective capacity to detect, analyse, and respond to infectious disease threats through international cooperation.
Disclaimer: The information in this epi-alert is a weekly summary of the information that is available on the internet, mainly the websites of WHO, ECDC, CDC, and others. For this summary, we consider issues that are most relevant to the ESCMID members involved in clinical patient care. Therefore, this report is not comprehensive, but we strive to include all major global issues in this report on a weekly basis.
The recent re-emergence of avian influenza (H5N1) in parts of Asia, including isolated human cases in Cambodia and India, highlights the need for continued vigilance. While sustained human-to-human transmission has not been observed, the current situation warrants close monitoring. Strengthening surveillance, improving poultry vaccination strategies, and promoting regional One Health collaborations can support risk assessment and management, including early containment efforts.
Since the previous update on 5 May 2025, and as of 12 May 2025, nine new MERS-CoV cases—including two deaths—have been reported by health authorities in Saudi Arabia, bringing the total number of cases this year to ten.
Seven of the recent cases were part of the same cluster in Riyadh, including one patient with no history of contact with camels and six healthcare workers who acquired nosocomial infections from that patient in early May.
The risk of sustained human-to-human transmission in Europe remains very low. However, the current MERS-CoV situation is concerning, as this rise in cases comes just two weeks ahead of the Mecca pilgrimage—a period typically associated with high international travel.
Since April 2012, and as of 12 May 2025, a total of 2,638 confirmed MERS cases—including 957 deaths—have been reported globally.
A Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak is evolving in Rwanda, East Africa. As of 7 October 2024, over 40 confirmed MVD cases have been reported, mainly in healthcare facilities in Kigali, with many healthcare workers affected. This outbreak represents a spread from known endemic areas to urban settings, including nosocomial transmission in Kigali hospitals. While outbreaks are typically limited to remote areas, this one spans across Rwanda, with potential for satellite cases and further spread. No vaccines or treatments are currently available.
This compilation includes the latest news, publications, and resources, covering recent developments such as vaccine distribution in Africa and WHO policy updates. It provides links to '2022-2024 Mpox Outbreak: Global Trends,' which features interactive dashboards and epidemiological data. This update offers a brief overview of the developments of the mpox situation for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers.
As of August 2024, the world is facing a significant mpox outbreak, primarily affecting countries in Central and East Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighbouring countries, with cases reported across several regions. The outbreak is characterised by the sustained human-to-human transmission of the clade I monkeypox virus (MPXV).
This ESCMID EIS mpox commentary provides up-to-date, evidence-based information on mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) for healthcare professionals, researchers, and public health officials.
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