Sweden Records First Case of More Dangerous Mpox Outside Africa
Sweden’s public health agency has reported the first case of a more dangerous type of mpox outside the African continent. The infected person contracted the disease during a stay in an area of Africa where there is a major outbreak of mpox Clade 1.
This news comes shortly after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of mpox in parts of Africa as a public health emergency of international concern. At least 450 people have died during the initial outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the disease has since spread to areas of Central and East Africa.
According to Olivia Wigzell, the acting head of the Swedish public health agency, the infected person sought care in the Stockholm area, and there is no risk to the broader population. Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is transmitted through close contact and can cause flu-like symptoms, skin lesions, and even death.
The more dangerous Clade 1b variant of mpox has been identified in Sweden, with cases also confirmed in Burundi, Kenya, and Rwanda. The WHO is actively engaging with Sweden’s health authorities to manage the situation and has urged other countries to act quickly and transparently.
Experts warn that the spread of mpox outside Africa could be larger than previously known. Vaccines are available for those at risk, but there are concerns about the availability and distribution of these vaccines to those who need them most.
While the mortality rate in Sweden is expected to be lower due to high-quality healthcare, there is still a risk of further cases in Europe and other parts of the world. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control advises on the symptoms of mpox and emphasizes the importance of swift international action to prevent further spread of the disease.
