GAT identifies new outbreak of mpox in Lisbon – and calls for action from the Ministry of Health

In October and November, GAT community-based screening centers diagnosed new cases of mpox among MSM (men who have sex with men) in the Greater Lisbon area. The aim is to control the outbreak by promoting vaccination uptake.

At the same time, new cases of hepatitis A are beginning to emerge among MSM, with the possibility of developing into an outbreak. The first confirmed case at GAT Checkpoint LX is a clear warning sign: history may be repeating itself and the public response cannot, once again, be late, especially with the possibility of two outbreaks occurring at the same time (mpox and hepatitis A).

Once again, community-based organizations are on the front lines, as they were during the first outbreaks of hepatitis A and mpox, with the GAT Checkpoint LX service playing a key role in providing community health services.

The outbreaks have taught us that vaccination, when available, is the best prevention, but poor access to immunization is the main barrier to containing virus transmission.

GAT has been urging health authorities to make hepatitis A vaccines available free of charge, in accordance with the Clinical Guidance Standard of the Directorate-General for Health published in the summer of 2025. Mpox and hepatitis A vaccination are free at the GAT Checkpoint LX and GAT Intendente centers. People who have not yet been vaccinated or who have not completed the vaccination schedule (two doses) can request a prescription from GAT.

It is essential that all people at risk, particularly MSM and people in the same social and/or sexual networks, as well as people with multiple sexual partners, protect themselves through vaccination. Appointments can be made through the GAT Checkpoint LX and GAT Intendente contacts:

• GAT Checkpoint LX: +351 910 693 158 (weekdays from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
• GAT Intendente: +351 919 613 092 (weekdays from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)