Sweden’s recent discovery of a new version of mpox, previously known as monkeypox, marks the first instance of the disease leaving Africa, where it has been escalating in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Announced on Thursday, this new case follows the World Health Organization’s declaration of a global health emergency, heightening concerns about the disease’s spread.
The infected individual in Sweden had traveled to an affected area. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has warned that more imported cases are likely due to frequent travel between Europe and Africa. The ECDC is advising increased preparedness and recommending travel advisories and vaccinations for those visiting affected regions.
Pamela Rendi-Wagner, ECDC director, emphasized the ongoing risk as long as the outbreak in Africa remains uncontrolled. The ECDC has raised the risk level for EU countries from “very low” to “low,” urging caution for travelers to and from affected areas.
The Swedish case involves Clade I, a more severe version of the disease, distinct from Clade II, which was responsible for the global outbreak in 2022. Clade I has been linked to 15,600 infections and 537 deaths in Congo. The Swedish patient, diagnosed with Clade Ia, was promptly treated and isolated, but concerns about wider transmission persist.
Clade Ia is primarily spread through household contact and exposure to infected animals, while Clade Ib spreads mainly through heterosexual sex. The case in Sweden is the first Clade I case identified outside Africa.
Experts note that the mpox vaccine Jynneos, used against Clade II, should also provide protection against Clade I. Most people with healthy immune systems are unlikely to experience severe illness.
In response, European countries are raising awareness, improving testing and treatment, and contributing to vaccine donations to Africa. The EU, the U.S., and pharmaceutical companies are coordinating efforts to supply vaccines to affected regions.
