First Case of More Dangerous Mpox Found Outside Africa

Sweden’s public health agency has reported the first case of a more dangerous type of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) outside of Africa. The infected individual contracted the disease during a stay in a region of Africa currently experiencing a significant outbreak of mpox Clade 1.

This development follows the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration that the mpox outbreak in parts of Africa has become a public health emergency of international concern. The outbreak, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has resulted in the deaths of at least 450 people and has spread to other areas in Central and East Africa.

Olivia Wigzell, the acting head of the Swedish public health agency, confirmed that the infected person is receiving treatment in Stockholm, but assured that there is no immediate risk to the broader population. The individual had contracted the Clade 1b variant of mpox, a newer and more serious strain identified in September of the previous year.

Mpox is transmitted through close contact, including sexual contact, skin-to-skin contact, and respiratory droplets. The virus causes flu-like symptoms, skin lesions, and can be fatal, with a mortality rate of approximately four in 100 cases. It is most commonly found in the tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa, where thousands of infections occur annually.

The Swedish case of Clade 1b is part of a broader series of outbreaks that have recently been identified in countries such as Burundi, Kenya, and Rwanda. While Clade 2 of the virus caused a public health emergency in 2022, it was relatively mild compared to Clade 1b, which is associated with more severe disease and higher mortality rates.

The WHO and Sweden’s health authorities are working closely to manage this first confirmed case of Clade 1b outside Africa. The WHO has urged other countries to respond swiftly and transparently, as more imported cases are expected in Europe and elsewhere.

Dr. Jonas Albarnaz, a pox virus specialist at the Pirbright Institute, and Dr. Brian Ferguson, an immunology expert at the University of Cambridge, both expressed concern over the spread of the Clade 1b variant outside Africa. They emphasized the importance of increased vigilance and international cooperation to prevent further cases.

Vaccines are available for those at greatest risk, but there are concerns about the availability of sufficient doses and funding to reach the most vulnerable populations. While the healthcare systems in Europe are better equipped to handle the virus, reducing the mortality rate compared to Africa, experts anticipate further cases as global travel continues.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has warned that symptoms of mpox typically appear 6-13 days after infection, manifesting as fevers, headaches, rashes, sores, and muscle aches. While most individuals recover fully after experiencing mild to moderate symptoms, those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk.

Though the news of the first case outside Africa may be alarming, it underscores the need for swift and coordinated international action to prevent the further spread of mpox.