This document is intended for health authorities working on RCCE in the context of the current monkeypox outbreak in Europe. It provides advice on approaches to the communication of risks and engagement of population groups based on the outbreak’s epidemiology and context, recommended preventive measures and people’s perceptions and behaviour.
A multi-country outbreak of monkeypox is ongoing since early May. As of 25 May 2022, a total of 219 confirmed cases have been reported worldwide, with most of cases being detected in young men, self-identifying as men who have sex with men (MSM).
Cases of monkeypox (MPX) acquired in the EU have recently been reported in nine EU Member States (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the Netherlands).
In a Rapid Risk Assessment published today, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recommends EU/EEA countries focus on prompt identification, management, contact tracing and reporting of new monkeypox cases.