Sweden confirms first case of mpox variant outside of Africa

LONDON - Sweden reported its first case of the more contagious variant of mpox outside Africa on Thursday.

"This is the first case diagnosed outside the African continent," Olivia Wigzell, Acting Director General of Sweden's Public Health Authority, was quoted as saying by the local broadcaster SVT Nyheter, according to Anadolu Agency (AA).

The individual, who sought treatment in the Stockholm area, has been confirmed to be infected with the more contagious clade 1 variant of the mpox virus.

According to the Public Health Authority, the person contracted the virus while staying in a region of Africa currently experiencing a major outbreak.

The variant of mpox now spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other parts of the continent is believed to be both more contagious and more deadly than the clade 2 variant, which was responsible for the global outbreak that began in 2022.

"I would say that the risk is relatively high that we will see isolated cases in Sweden, where individuals who have travelled to affected areas return with the infection,” state epidemiologist Magnus Gisslen told SVT on Thursday.

There is an antiviral drug available to treat the most severe cases of mpox, but "otherwise, there is no specific treatment; symptoms must be managed,” Gisslen added.

However, he expressed confidence in the preparedness of the healthcare system to detect the virus and limit its spread.

"At the same time, it is, of course, something we must take seriously, and it is possible that we may see some spread here.

"It is crucial that we identify any cases that arise so we can manage them appropriately and prevent further transmission,” the epidemiologist said. - BERNAMA-ANADOLU