The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms regarding the emergence of a new and more dangerous strain of mpox, previously known as monkeypox, as it has been confirmed in Sweden. This case marks the first instance of infection outside Africa, following a significant outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that has already claimed numerous lives. The WHO’s declaration of a public health emergency of international concern underscores the seriousness of the situation, particularly given the rapid spread of the virus within Africa.
The reported case in Sweden involved an individual who sought medical care in Stockholm after returning from a region experiencing a major outbreak of mpox Clade 1. This new strain has been linked to a surge in infections and fatalities in the DRC, where health authorities have documented over 15,000 potential cases and nearly 550 deaths since the start of the year. Public health officials in Sweden confirmed that the Clade 1b subclade was responsible for this infection, which raises concerns about further imported cases across Europe in the coming days and weeks.
Experts have expressed their concerns regarding the interconnectedness of global health, as international travel can facilitate the spread of infectious diseases. The WHO’s European regional office in Copenhagen is actively collaborating with Swedish health authorities to manage this newly detected case effectively. The organisation emphasises that while there may be further imported cases, the risk to the general population remains low according to assessments by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
The DRC has been at the centre of the current mpox outbreak, with its health minister announcing that all 26 provinces have been affected. The government has initiated a national strategic plan aimed at combating mpox through vaccination efforts and enhanced surveillance at borders and checkpoints. Additionally, working groups have been established to improve contact tracing and mobilise resources necessary for controlling this public health crisis.
Mpox is an infectious disease caused by a virus that is transmitted through close contact with infected animals or humans. Symptoms include fever, muscular aches, and large boil-like skin lesions. Since its discovery in humans in 1970 in the DRC, mpox has presented varying levels of severity depending on its strain. The Clade 1 variant is known to cause more severe disease than its counterpart, Clade 2b, which was responsible for a global outbreak in mid-2022 that predominantly affected gay and bisexual men.
The recent surge in mpox cases has prompted responses from various health authorities. The US Department of Health announced plans to donate 50,000 doses of the FDA-approved JYNNEOS vaccine to support vaccination efforts in the DRC. Vaccination is considered a critical component of the response strategy against this outbreak. Danish pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic has also indicated its readiness to produce up to 10 million doses of its mpox-targeting vaccine by 2025.
The severity of Clade 1 infections highlights the need for vigilance and preparedness as countries monitor the situation. Health experts are advising against stigma associated with affected travellers or regions, stressing that such attitudes can hinder effective public health responses. Travel restrictions and border closures are viewed as ineffective measures that should be avoided to prevent further complications.
As the WHO continues to monitor and respond to the evolving situation, it is crucial for health authorities to remain alert and proactive. The interconnectedness of global health realities demands a coordinated approach to managing outbreaks like mpox. The current situation serves as a reminder of how quickly infectious diseases can spread and impact communities far beyond their origins.
In light of these developments, it is essential for public health systems worldwide to stay informed and prepared for potential outbreaks. Collaboration between countries, health organisations, and researchers will play a fundamental role in controlling the spread of mpox and ensuring that effective measures are implemented to protect public health.
The situation remains fluid, with new information emerging regularly about cases and responses. As nations work together to address this public health challenge, continued vigilance and cooperation will be vital in mitigating the impact of mpox on both local and global scales.
