Herein, we present our findings of an early appearance of the Monkeypox virus in Prague, Czech Republic. A retrospective analysis of biological samples, carried out on the 28th of April, revealed a previously unrecognized case of Monkeypox virus (MPxV) infection. Subsequent data analysis confirmed that the virus strain belongs to the ongoing outbreak. Combined with clinical and epidemiological investigations, we extended the roots of the current outbreak at least back to 16th of April, 2022.

Department of Infectious Diseases 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University and Military University Hospital Prague 12108 Prague Czech Republic

Department of Sexually Transmitted Infections National Institute for Public Health 10042 Prague Czech Republic

Military Health Institute Military Medical Agency 16200 Prague Czech Republic

National Reference Laboratory for Influenza and Respiratory Viruses National Institute for Public Health 10042 Prague Czech Republic

State Veterinary Institute 16503 Prague Czech Republic

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