2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Belgium

[4] Diagnosis can be confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing a lesion for the virus's DNA.

Some monitors saw community transmission taking place in the London area as of mid-May,[11] but it has been suggested that cases were already spreading in Europe in the previous months.

It is believed to be transmitted by close contact with sick people, with extra caution for those individuals with lesions on their skin or genitals, along with their bedding and clothing.

[13] In addition to more common symptoms, such as fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and rashes or lesions, some patients have also experienced proctitis, an inflammation of the rectum lining.

CDC has also warned clinicians to not rule out mpox in patients with sexually transmitted infections since there have been reports of co-infections with syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes.

A day after both tested positive, there was another case reported in a man of unknown age who was relatively healthy but had bullous lesions on his hands.

[16] Hospitals have also begun making their own preparations to help control the current mpox outbreak, including screening patients, increasing decontamination and cleaning procedures,[17] and wearing appropriate safety gear (Personal protective equipment / Medical gown) when interacting with infected patients.

Belgium also introduced a mandatory 21-day quarantine for infected mpox patients in hopes of containing the disease in the country.