Sweden’s public health agency has confirmed the first instance of a more virulent strain of mpox outside Africa. The affected individual contracted the virus while in a region experiencing a significant outbreak of mpox Clade 1, as reported by the agency.
This announcement follows the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration that the ongoing mpox outbreak in various African countries constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. The Democratic Republic of Congo alone saw at least 450 fatalities during an initial outbreak, with the disease now affecting regions across Central and East Africa.
Olivia Wigzell, acting head of the Swedish public health agency, assured that there is no immediate risk to the general population, as the infected individual sought treatment upon returning to Stockholm. She emphasized the situation’s origins, linking it directly to areas with high transmission rates.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, spreads through close personal contact, including sexual encounters and respiratory exchanges. Symptoms typically include flu-like indications, skin lesions, and, in severe cases, death occurs in approximately 4% of instances. Primarily present in the tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa, thousands of infections are reported yearly.
Currently, multiple outbreaks of mpox are active, exacerbated by the emergence of the more dangerous Clade 1b, identified in September of the previous year. The Swedish case has been categorized under Clade 1b, which has previously manifested in cases across Burundi, Kenya, and Rwanda.
While Clade 2 led to a public health emergency in 2022, its impact was relatively mild, with around 300 identified cases in Sweden. The WHO’s European branch is working closely with Sweden’s health authorities to address this confirmed case of mpox Clade 1b and highlighted the importance of rapid and transparent action to mitigate possible imported cases across Europe in the near future.
The public health agency warns that the emerging outbreak could lead to increased severity and mortality rates. Experts express concern over the potential for wider transmission, with increased cases expected in Europe and beyond. WHO aims for its latest emergency declaration to mobilize more significant support for the most impacted areas.
Vaccination efforts are underway for those at highest risk, but challenges remain regarding the availability of vaccines and resources. Although the mortality rate for the Clade 1b variant in Europe is expected to be lower than in Africa due to superior healthcare systems, the potential for additional cases remains high without effective containment measures.
Symptoms of mpox typically arise between 6-13 days post-infection and may include fever, headaches, rashes, and muscle aches. While most individuals experience mild to moderate symptoms, immunocompromised individuals face greater risks. The emergence of the first case outside Africa, while unsettling, was anticipated, and prompt international cooperation could play a vital role in controlling the spread of the virus.
