First case of mpox strain circulating in Africa confirmed by Sweden

Sweden has confirmed its first case of a more contagious version of mpox, a viral infection currently circulating in central and eastern Africa. The World Health Organization has declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has spread to 12 other countries in the region. The strain detected in Sweden is referred to as clade I, which is associated with a more severe course of disease and higher mortality. The patient sought care in Stockholm after returning from Africa. Unlike the previous outbreak, which was primarily spread through sexual contact among men who have sex with men, this current version of clade I appears to be fairly transmissible via routine close contact, such as within a household. The Public Health Agency of Sweden is monitoring the situation closely and advising the public on necessary precautions. This case highlights the importance of global surveillance and response to emerging infectious diseases, as they can easily spread across borders.

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