Mpox infographics: staying prepared for the summer season

Based on evidence in the current outbreak and the low number of new infections, the overall risk of mpox remains moderate for men who have sex with men and low for the broader population. However, ECDC has warned of the possibility of an increase in cases during the coming summer season due to a number of festivities such as Pride events and increased travel. 

Mpox is primarily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, including during sex, with someone who has mpox. Mpox may also be transmitted to others even before symptoms start. 

Personal protective measures include discussing with a healthcare provider about getting vaccinated, keeping up-to-date with information on mpox from trusted sources, talking to sexual partners about mpox, practising safer sex and keeping good hand hygiene. 

Those at risk are encouraged to check themselves for symptoms such as a rash with blisters on any part of the body (often starting around the mouth, anus or the genitals), inflammation and pain in the rectum, swollen lymph nodes and fever. 

Those who suspect they may have mpox should seek medical advice from a healthcare professional. They should also get tested, take a break from sex, ask close contacts and sexual partners if they have similar symptoms and avoid close physical contact. People who have been in contact with someone with mpox infection should also seek medical advice even if they do not have symptoms. They may be eligible for vaccination which can reduce the risk of infection and developing severe disease.  

ECDC supports all efforts to keep mpox cases to a minimum and acknowledges that early diagnosis, isolation, partner notification, and contact tracing, supported by appropriate vaccination strategies and behaviour change in case of increased transmission, remain key for the effective control of this outbreak. Risk communication and community engagement - involving community-based organisations, venue owners and organisers of pride events - are essential to achieving results across all the proposed measures.