Mpox in Europe: First Case of ‘Severe Form’ Confirmed in Sweden
Sweden has confirmed the first case of the more contagious variant of monkeypox in Europe, a severe viral infection that spreads through close contact. This is also the first time it has been detected outside of Africa.
This was reported by The Guardian.
‘Today we have received confirmation that the first case of a more severe type of smallpox, called Clade 1, has been recorded in Sweden,’ said Swedish Minister of Health and Social Affairs Jakob Forssmed at a press conference.
Olivia Wigzell, Director General of the Swedish Public Health Agency, said that the person was infected while travelling to a region of Africa where there is currently a large outbreak of smallpox. She added that the person who was infected received help and instructions in accordance with the health agency's recommendations.
The mpox virus, also known as monkeypox, is transmitted through close contact, such as sexual contact, skin-to-skin contact, and talking or breathing near another person, the BBC reports. The virus causes flu-like symptoms, skin lesions, and can be fatal: four out of 100 cases are fatal.
There are two types of smallpox: Clade 1 and Clade 2. Although Clade 2 caused a public health emergency in 2022, it was relatively mild.
There are two types of mpox: Clade 1 and Clade 2. Although Clade 2 caused a public health emergency in 2022, it was relatively mild.
According to the Swedish Public Health Agency, Clade 1 is more likely to be spread through close contacts and often among children, while the milder variant is spread mainly through sexual contact.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported that symptoms usually appear 6–13 days after infection and manifest as fever, headache, rash, sores and muscle pain. Most people experienced mild or moderate symptoms with subsequent full recovery, but those with weakened immune systems were at increased risk.
On 14 August, the World Health Organisation announced that the rapid spread of monkeypox in African countries is a global health emergency.