Swedish health officials confirmed the first case of a person infected with the highly contagious strain of mpox originating from eastern Congo, following the recent declaration by the World Health Organization of global emergency outbreaks in Africa. The patient had sought medical care in Stockholm after contracting the disease during a visit to the affected region in Africa. The Swedish public health agency assured that the risk to the general population remains very low. According to Magnus Gisslen, a state epidemiologist, the patient has received treatment and guidelines for managing the illness.
The emergence of a more lethal strain of mpox was reported earlier this year, raising concerns about its potential for easier transmission. Mpox primarily spreads through close contact with infected individuals, including sexual contact. WHO reported over 14,000 cases and 524 fatalities in numerous African countries this year, surpassing last year’s numbers, with the majority of cases and deaths concentrated in Congo. While the risk of transmission in countries like Sweden is deemed low due to adequate resources for containment, occasional imported cases may still occur.
Scientists are prepared to swiftly identify and contain any new outbreaks linked to Congo. This readiness, combined with the resources available in affluent countries, suggests that transmission of the disease could be promptly halted.
