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. 2023 Aug;99(5):330-336.
doi: 10.1136/sextrans-2022-055601. Epub 2022 Nov 17.

Understanding sexual transmission dynamics and transmission contexts of monkeypox virus: a mixed-methods study of the early outbreak in Belgium (May-June 2022)

Jef Vanhamel #  1 , Valeska Laisnez #  2   3 , Laurens Liesenborghs  4 , Isabel Brosius  4 , Nicole Berens-Riha  4 , Thibaut Vanbaelen  4 , Chris Kenyon  4 , Koen Vercauteren  4 , Marie Laga  5 , Naïma Hammami  6 , Oriane Lambricht  7 , Romain Mahieu  8 , Amaryl Lecompte  2 , Wim Vanden Berghe  2 , Bea Vuylsteke  5
Affiliations

Understanding sexual transmission dynamics and transmission contexts of monkeypox virus: a mixed-methods study of the early outbreak in Belgium (May-June 2022)

Jef Vanhamel et al. Sex Transm Infect. 2023 Aug.

Abstract

Objective: The available epidemiological and clinical evidence from the currently ongoing monkeypox (MPX) outbreak in non-endemic areas suggests an important factor of sexual transmission. However, limited information on the behaviour and experiences of individuals with an MPX infection has to date been provided. We aimed to describe the initial phase of the MPX outbreak in Belgium, and to provide a more in-depth description of sexual behaviour and transmission contexts.

Methods: We used routine national surveillance data of 139 confirmed MPX cases with date of symptom onset until 19 June 2022, complemented with 12 semistructured interviews conducted with a subsample of these cases.

Results: Sexualised environments, including large festivals and cruising venues for gay men, were the suspected exposure setting for the majority of the cases in the early outbreak phase. In-depth narratives of sexual behaviour support the hypothesis of MPX transmission through close physical contact during sex. Despite awareness of the ongoing MPX outbreak, low self-perceived risk of MPX acquisition and confusing initial signs and symptoms for other STIs or skin conditions delayed early detection of an MPX infection. In addition, we describe relevant contextual factors beyond individual behaviour, related to sexual networks, interpersonal interactions and health systems. Some of these factors may complicate early MPX detection and control efforts.

Conclusion: Our results highlight the role of sexual contact and networks in the transmission of MPX during the early phase of the outbreak in Belgium. Risk communication messages should consistently and transparently state the predominant sexual transmission potential of MPX virus, and prevention and control measures must be adapted to reflect multilevel factors contributing to MPX transmission risk.

Keywords: Behavioral Sciences; Epidemiology; QUALITATIVE RESEARCH; Sexual Behavior.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Epidemic curve monkeypox cases per week in Belgium, by date of symptom onset and by most probable exposure setting.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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