ECDC launches new monthly mpox surveillance report as transmission continues in Europe

Following an increase in reported clade I mpox cases towards the end of 2025, case numbers peaked in January 2026, when 89 cases were reported. Although slightly fewer clade I cases were reported in February and March, transmission remains ongoing in several EU/EEA countries. In February 2026, 11 countries reported a total of 78 clade I cases. In March, 10 countries reported 80 cases, indicating broadly stable transmission levels, albeit across a slightly smaller number of reporting countries.

In contrast, clade II mpox case numbers remained stable towards the end of 2025 and declined in early 2026. In February, nine countries reported 63 clade II cases, while in March, seven countries reported 22 cases.

Overall, between April 2025 and March 2026, there were 336 confirmed clade I cases across 15 countries and 1,016 clade II cases across 17 countries in the EU/EEA. For both clade I and clade II, nine in ten cases occurred in men who have sex with men. Where infections occur, illness has generally been mild, with few reports of severe disease. Among reported cases, only 23% of clade I and 18% of clade II cases had received two doses of mpox vaccine, highlighting continued gaps in vaccination coverage in those at higher risk. 

This monthly surveillance report builds on the Threat Assessment Brief published on 24 October 2025. The risk of clade Ib infection remains moderate for men who have sex with men and low for the general population. Conversely, the risk for clade IIb infection is assessed as low for men who have sex with men and very low for the general population.

Prompt vaccination and health promotion interventions for gay, bisexual, and transgender people, alongside other men who have sex with men, remain essential.