Sweden Reports Europe’s First Case of New and More Dangerous Monkeypox Variant

Sweden has confirmed its first case of a more contagious variant of monkeypox (mpox), marking the first detection of this variant outside Africa. This development raises concerns about the potential for wider international spread of the virus, which has been primarily concentrated in Africa until now.

The infected individual contracted the virus while in a region of Africa experiencing a significant outbreak, according to Olivia Wigzell, Director-General of the Swedish Public Health Agency. During a press conference, Wigzell assured that the patient has received appropriate care and guidance by the agency’s health protocols.

Earlier on Thursday, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years. This declaration follows an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has extended to other countries.

In response to the growing threat, China announced on Friday that it would begin screening people and goods entering the country for mpox over the next six months. The Chinese customs administration has urged travelers from affected regions, those who have been in contact with mpox cases, or those displaying symptoms to declare themselves upon entry.

Earlier this year, scientists identified a new form of the deadlier mpox variant in a Congolese mining town, warning of its potential to spread more easily. The virus primarily spreads through close contact with infected individuals, including sexual contact.

Dr. Brian Ferguson of the University of Cambridge expressed concern over the Swedish case, noting that while it is alarming, it is not unexpected given the severity and spread of the outbreak in Africa. “There will likely be more cases here and in other parts of the world as there are currently no mechanisms in place to stop imported cases of mpox happening,” he stated.

The WHO reports that there have been over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths across more than a dozen African countries this year, surpassing last year’s figures. Notably, more than 96% of these cases and deaths have occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo.