Surveillance of Mpox Cases in Mexico: Epidemiological Patterns During the 2022-2023 National Outbreak.

Background: Mpox is an emerging zoonotic disease, caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). Since its discovery, it has been considered endemic in Central and West Africa. Mpox is of global significance as of May 2022, due to the report of simultaneous outbreaks in more than 70 countries where the disease was not endemic. The global spread of mpox has shown the importance of maintaining active surveillance for emerging zoonotic diseases, many of which can cross borders.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse mpox cases and national incidence in Mexico related to the global outbreak.

Methods: Epidemiological data (confirmed cases and incidence of MPXV infection) were obtained from the morbidity yearbook of the General Directorate of Epidemiology of the Mexican Ministry of Health. The information was analysed for the construction of epidemic curves, distribution of cases by age and sex and quartiles of geographical incidence.

Results: A total of 4081 cumulative confirmed cases were recorded with a peak and national incidence of 1191 and 1.87, respectively, in September 2022. The distribution of cases by age and sex showed that males were more prevalent (above 95%) in the 25-44 years age group compared to females. Finally, geographical analysis showed that cosmopolitan and population-concentrated states had the highest incidence, clustered in the top quartile. The 2022 mpox outbreak in Mexico was consistent with other countries as reported in the international literature, with most cases occurring among exposed individuals in cosmopolitan cities.

Conclusions: The need for active surveillance of emerging diseases, access to specific diagnostics and implementation of vaccination strategies is analysed and discussed.