Sweden has reported its first case of the highly contagious Monkeypox variant that has led the World Health Organisation to issue a global health emergency.

(This is a developing story. Stay tuned for future updates on this important news.)

STOCKHOLM: The Public Health Agency of Sweden has reported the first case of mpox in Sweden, marking the first instance outside of Africa. The infected person, who had been in an African region experiencing an mpox outbreak, sought care in Region Stockholm. Mpox has recently been declared a global health emergency by the WHO and a continental emergency by Africa CDC.

Dr. Magnus Gisslén, the state epidemiologist, confirmed that the patient has received care and guidance. The Public Health Agency of Sweden is planning a new risk assessment, but currently, there is no increased risk to the general population. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) also considers the risk very low, and no extra infection control measures are necessary. So far, about 300 mpox cases have been identified in Sweden, all related to the global clade IIb outbreak.

Dr. Gisslén assured that the outbreak is being closely monitored, and the need for new measures is continuously evaluated.

Mpox has been reported in the DRC for more than a decade, and the number of cases reported each year has increased steadily over that period. Last year, reported cases increased significantly, and already the number of cases reported so far this year has exceeded last year’s total, with more than 15 600 cases and 537 deaths.

The emergence last year and rapid spread of a new virus strain in DRC, clade 1b, which appears to be spreading mainly through sexual networks, and its detection in countries neighbouring the DRC is especially concerning, and one of the main reasons for the declaration of the PHEIC.

Also read: WHO Director-General declares mpox a public health emergency globally

Patients who present with mpox can exhibit several symptoms,including: rash that may be located on the hands, feet, chest, face, mouth, or near the genitals; fever; chills; swollen lymph nodes; fatigue; myalgia; headache; and respiratory symptoms like sore throat, nasal congestion, and cough.