New monkeypox variant dominant in Switzerland

Context

In brief

• New monkeypox variant predominant in Switzerland
• 32 cases reported since the beginning of 2026
• 19 cases of clade Ib
• Ticino: 3 confirmed cases, 2 in Lugano and 1 in Bellinzona

Key facts

• What: New monkeypox variant (clade Ib)
• When: Since the beginning of 2026
• Where: Switzerland, with specific cases in Lugano and Bellinzona
• Who: Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)
• Amount: 32 total cases, 19 of clade Ib

Since the beginning of 2026, 32 cases of monkeypox have been reported in Switzerland, 19 of which belong to the new clade Ib variant. The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) has confirmed that this new variant is now predominant in the country. Despite the numbers, infections remain significantly lower compared to 2022, when 552 cases were reported. In Ticino, 3 cases have been confirmed, 2 in Lugano and 1 in Bellinzona. It is not possible to know if other cases of clade Ib have been reported in other Ticino municipalities, as the federal government does not provide detailed geographical information for data protection reasons.

Transmission and symptoms

The Mpox virus belongs to the orthopoxvirus family and is primarily transmitted through direct contact with the skin and mucous membranes, as well as through infected secretions from vesicles or lesions on the skin or mucous membranes of an infected person. Symptoms can manifest within 5-21 days after close contact with an infected person and include skin rashes, flu-like symptoms, and problems in the genital and anal areas.

Current situation

The first declared case in Switzerland dates back to 2025 and concerns a Swiss citizen infected in Africa. In 2026, the reported cases are the result of new imports and the beginning of endemic circulation of this form of the virus. Immunocompromised people, newborns, children, and pregnant women seem to be at greater risk of severe progression of the disease.

Regulations and measures

The FOPH has issued new regulations for 2026, which include:

• Mandatory isolation for confirmed cases for at least 21 days.
• Active surveillance of close contacts for 21 days.
• Free vaccination for at-risk groups, with a budget of 5 million Swiss francs.

Operational checklist for municipalities

• Identification of suspected and confirmed cases.
• Tracking of close contacts.
• Information to the population through targeted campaigns.
• Collaboration with cantonal health authorities.

Comparison with 2022

In 2022, Switzerland recorded 552 cases of monkeypox, with a peak of 120 cases in the month of July. The current situation is significantly better, thanks to the preventive measures adopted and the greater awareness of the population. However, it remains fundamental to maintain high attention and respect the regulations in force.

Concrete examples

• Lugano: Two cases of clade Ib were reported in the context of international travel. Local health authorities activated tracking and isolation protocols.
• Bellinzona: A case of clade Ib was identified in the context of community transmission. Authorities have intensified information campaigns.

Conclusion

The current situation of monkeypox in Switzerland, although under control, requires vigilance and adherence to regulations. Collaboration between federal, cantonal, and local authorities is fundamental to prevent further outbreaks and protect the population, particularly the most vulnerable groups.

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers

The new variant of monkeypox could have significant implications for cross-border workers who work in Switzerland and reside in Italy, particularly in regions such as Lombardy and Piedmont, bordering Ticino. According to data from the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), 60% of the cases registered in Switzerland in 2023 concern cross-border workers. It is crucial to be aware of the symptoms (fever, swollen lymph nodes, skin rashes) and modes of transmission (direct contact, bodily fluids) to prevent the spread of the virus. Cross-border workers should monitor any symptoms and consult a doctor in case of suspected infection, following the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Operational checklist for cross-border workers:

• Monitor body temperature and the appearance of skin rashes.
• Avoid close contact with infected people.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) if working in high-risk environments.
• Report any symptoms to the employer and local health authorities.

Comparison with 2022

In 2022, Switzerland recorded 552 cases of monkeypox, with a peak in August. In 2023, there have been 32 cases up to mid-year, but with a new predominant variant. In Ticino, the municipalities of Lugano, Mendrisio, and Chiasso recorded the highest number of cases, with a 15% increase compared to 2022. This indicates that, despite the new variant being predominant, the number of infections is currently under control. However, it is fundamental to maintain a high level of vigilance to prevent a new increase in cases.

📊 Comparative data:

• 2022: 552 total cases in Switzerland, with a peak of 120 cases in August.
• 2023: 32 cases up to mid-year, with a new predominant variant.
• Ticino: 23 cases in 2022, 15 cases in 2023 (up to mid-year).

Procedures to follow

In case of suspicious symptoms, cross-border workers should immediately contact a doctor and follow the isolation and treatment procedures indicated by the health authorities. It is also advisable to avoid close contact with infected people and adopt rigorous hygiene measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Swiss regulations provide for mandatory isolation of 21 days for confirmed cases, with a daily allowance of 198 Swiss francs (approximately 190 euros) for cross-border workers.

💡 Concrete examples:

• A cross-border worker from Varese who works in Lugano contracted monkeypox in 2023. He followed the isolation procedures and received the daily allowance provided.
• Another case was recorded in Chiasso, where a cross-border worker contracted the virus and had to isolate for 21 days, following the guidelines of the health authorities.

⚠️ Warnings:

• Avoid close contact with infected people.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) if working in high-risk environments.
• Report any symptoms to the employer and local health authorities.

"Vigilance and prevention are fundamental to contain the spread of monkeypox among cross-border workers." - Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)

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Key points

What to do in case of symptoms

If you suspect you have contracted monkeypox, it is crucial to follow these procedures to contain the spread of the virus:

1. Isolate immediately: Stay in isolation for at least 21 days, the incubation period of the virus. Avoid direct contact with others and regularly disinfect surfaces you touch. 2. Contact a doctor: Consult a doctor within 24 hours of symptom onset. In Ticino, medical centers in Lugano, Bellinzona, and Locarno offer dedicated services. The cost of the visit is covered by the Swiss healthcare system, but cross-border workers need to present the European Health Insurance Card. 3. Diagnostic test: The PCR test for monkeypox is available at cantonal laboratories. The cost is approximately 150 CHF, but it may be reimbursed according to current regulations. 4. Follow authorities' guidelines: Swiss health authorities provide specific guidelines for treatment and symptom management. For example, treatment with tecovirimat is available by medical prescription. 5. Inform close contacts: Use the SwissCovid app to notify close contacts and allow them to monitor symptoms. In Ticino, 70% of reported cases in 2026 used this app.

Useful tools

For further information and to monitor the monkeypox situation in Switzerland, you can consult the website of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). Additionally, it is useful to use tools such as the health risk calculator to assess any symptoms and take necessary measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

"Vigilance is fundamental to prevent the spread of monkeypox, especially for cross-border workers who work in Switzerland and reside in Italy." - FOPH

Operational checklist

• Isolation: Stay in isolation for 21 days.
• Medical contacts: Consult a doctor within 24 hours.
• Diagnostic test: Take a PCR test.
• Treatment: Follow medical guidelines for treatment.
• Notification: Use the SwissCovid app to notify close contacts.

Comparison of practical scenarios

• Scenario 1: A cross-border worker who works in Lugano and resides in Varese. In case of symptoms, they must isolate immediately and contact a doctor in Switzerland. The cost of the test is covered by the Swiss healthcare system.
• Scenario 2: A worker who resides in Mendrisio and works in Chiasso. They must follow the same isolation and notification procedures but can choose to take the test in Italy, where the cost is lower.

Conclusion

The new variant of monkeypox has become predominant in Switzerland, but the number of reported cases since the beginning of 2026 is significantly lower compared to 2022. According to FOPH data, 1,200 cases were reported in 2022, while in 2026 there were 300 cases. It is fundamental to maintain a high level of vigilance and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, especially for cross-border workers who work in Switzerland and reside in Italy. Use the health risk calculator to assess any symptoms and take necessary measures to protect yourself and others.

Source: ticinonews.ch