Monkeypox Cases: Update as of September 6, 2022

Update as of September 6, 2022, following reports of monkeypox cases in France and around the world. The next update will be released on September 8.

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In early May 2022, cases of monkeypox with no direct link to travel to Central or West Africa—where the virus is present—or to people returning from such trips were reported in Europe and around the world. Since then, the disease has been subject to enhanced surveillance in both France and Europe.

Update on the Situation in France

As of September 6, 2022, at 12:00 p.m., 3,721 biologically confirmed cases had been recorded in France.

The distribution of confirmed cases by region of residence (or by region of reporting when the region of residence is unknown) is shown in Figure 1. The Île-de-France region has the highest number of cases (2,279, or 61%), followed by Occitanie (303 cases), Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (243 cases), and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (242 cases); 20 cases are residents abroad.

For 1,094 confirmed cases (29.6%), the region of residence was unknown and was replaced by the region of reporting.

The vast majority of confirmed adult cases recorded to date are male, with the exception of 71 (1.9%) female cases. The number of confirmed cases reported among women is low (a maximum of 12 cases reported in week 34), but the proportion of these cases has been increasing in recent weeks. Among all confirmed cases reported in week 35 (unconsolidated data), 6.1% are women (vs. 7.5% in week 34, 5.3% in week 33, and 2.9% in week 32). These data cover a small number of cases; given the context of a decline in the total number of confirmed cases over the past several weeks, they should therefore be interpreted with caution.

Nine children under the age of 15 were reported. Adult cases have a median age of 36; 25% of adult cases are under 29 years old, and 25% are between 43 and 81 years old.

Among the cases for which information is available, 76 (3%) were hospitalized due to their Monkeypox infection; this proportion has remained stable over time.

No deaths have been reported to date.

The distribution of confirmed cases by date of symptom onset (when known) is shown in Figure 2. The date of symptom onset for cases ranges from May 7 to September 1, 2022. Due to reporting delays, data from the past few weeks have not been consolidated.

The reports received do not always mention the date of symptom onset. As an alternative to this information, the distribution of cases by date of reporting is shown in Figure 3.

These data suggest that the peak in infections occurred in late June/early July and that the number of confirmed cases has been trending downward since then but may be stabilizing. However, caution is warranted, as the summer period may have led to delays in diagnosis and reporting. Similarly, some individuals may not have sought medical care. Several other countries, particularly in Europe, have also observed a slowdown or even a decrease in the number of new confirmed cases reported in recent weeks.

Figure 1. Biologically confirmed cases of monkeypox (n=3,701 cases) by region of residence (or by region of reporting when the region of residence is unknown), France, May–September 2022 (data as of September 6, 2022 – 12:00 p.m.)

Figure 1. Cas confirmés biologiquement de variole du singe (n=3 701 cas) par région de résidence (ou par région de signalement lorsque la région de résidence est inconnue), France, mai-septembre 2022 (données au 06/09/2022 – 12h00)

Figure 2. Biologically confirmed cases of monkeypox (n = 2,640 cases, number of missing data points = 1,081) by week of symptom onset, France, May–September 2022 (data as of September 6, 2022 – 12:00 p.m.).

Figure 2. Cas confirmés biologiquement de variole du singe (n= 2 640 cas, nombre de données manquantes = 1 081) par semaine de début des symptômes, France, mai-septembre 2022 (données au 06/09/2022 – 12h00).
The data for the past few weeks (in light blue) is not yet fully finalized.

Figure 3. Biologically confirmed cases of monkeypox (n = 3,720 cases) by week of reporting, France, May–September 2022 (data as of September 6, 2022, at 12:00 p.m.).

Figure 3. Cas confirmés biologiquement de variole du singe (n= 3 720 cas) par semaine de signalement, France, mai-septembre 2022 (données au 06/09/2022 – 12h00).
The data for the past week (in light blue) are not yet fully finalized. The dip in reported cases observed in week 28 (July 11–17) can be attributed to the July 14 holiday.

Information and Prevention Initiatives

Given what has been observed in Europe regarding the disease, targeted communication was quickly implemented for men who have sex with men (MSM). The website sexosafe.fr, dedicated to the sexual health of MSM, is regularly updated with a summary of current knowledge on the subject and prevention measures. Poster, radio, and digital campaigns provide information to the public, complementing on-the-ground efforts. Since June 17, the digital campaign has generated nearly 845,841 clicks on banners and over 758,200 visits to the Sexosafe website.

All information on vaccination is updated weekly on the page for the general public and the page for healthcare professionals (accessible without a login) on the Vaccination-info-service website.

Prevention efforts are continuously adapted to the evolving situation and the current state of knowledge.

To facilitate access to information for vulnerable people in precarious situations, a visual tool—translated into 6 languages and developed with professionals working with these individuals—is available on Santé Publique France

The MOBCO Newsletter No. 7, developed in collaboration with frontline workers, compiles a series of questions and answers on the topic of monkeypox. It is intended for professionals or volunteers in contact with people in precarious situations.

In France, ongoing surveillance of monkeypox through the mandatory reporting system has been strengthened, and information and alert messages are being sent to healthcare professionals. Discussions are also continuing with other European countries, the WHO, and the ECDC.

Monkeypox Info Service: A helpline to answer questions about monkeypox

The “Monkeypox Info Service” hotline is available daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the toll-free number 0 801 90 80 69 (free calls and services; anonymous and confidential). This service is responsible for supporting prevention messages and protective measures, providing information on symptoms, treatments, and vaccination, and offering advice and referrals to care services.
Since the hotline opened in mid-July, 7,198 calls have been handled by the Monkeypox Info Service.

  • 331 calls were handled in week 35 (compared to 467 in week 34)

  • The number of daily calls has been steadily declining since Wednesday, August 10, 2022

  • The proportion of calls from men remains stable (85%)

  • We are seeing an increase in calls regarding psychological and relationship issues: 7% more than during week 34 (29% vs. 22%). These calls reflect fears and concerns related in particular to the risks of coming into contact with an infected person, potential complications following infection with the virus, and a lack of perspective regarding this disease

Preventive Vaccination Against Monkeypox

In response to the spread of the Monkeypox virus, the High Authority for Health, following a referral from the Directorate General of Health, recommended in its opinion dated July 7, 2022, that preventive vaccination be offered to groups most at risk of exposure to the virus.

Regarding the rollout of the vaccination, as of September 6, 2022, 152,732 doses of the third-generation vaccine had been delivered by the Agency to the regions. Deliveries are primarily made on a weekly basis.

As of September 5, 2022, the total number of doses administered was 80,996 (source: Ministry of Health and Prevention).

Since July 11, 2022, in addition to individuals who have had high-risk contact with an infected person, individuals meeting the criteria established by the HAS may schedule an appointment to be vaccinated throughout the country:

  • men who have sex with men and report having multiple sexual partners;

  • transgender individuals reporting multiple sexual partners;

  • sex workers;

  • professionals working in venues where sexual services are provided.

Vaccination may also be considered on a case-by-case basis for healthcare professionals who care for infected individuals.

To learn more about vaccination and access to vaccination sites:

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