First case of dangerous Monkeypox strain recorded outside Africa

Sweden's Public Health Agency said Thursday it had registered the first case outside Africa of the more dangerous variant of mpox, which the World Health Organizaiton (WHO) declared a global public health emergency over Yesterday.

"A person who sought care" in Stockholm "has been diagnosed with mpox caused by the clade I variant. It is the first case caused by clade I to be diagnosed outside the African continent," Sweden's Public Health Agency said in a statement – cited by Agence France-Presse (AFP).

The WHO warned that more imported Clade 1 mpox cases were likely to be confirmed in Europe soon, after Sweden’s announcement. 

"The confirmation of mpox Clade 1 in Sweden is a clear reflection of the interconnectedness of our world... there are likely to be further imported cases of Clade 1 in the European region over the coming days and weeks," the WHO's European regional office said in a statement.

The WHO declared Wednesday that the mpox (Monkeypox) surge in Africa is now a global public health emergency.

"Today, the emergency committee met and advised me that in its view, the situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. I have accepted that advice," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a press conference yesterday.

This is the highest possible alarm issued by the WHO over the currently worsening situation.

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox, abbreviated as "Mpox," is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus.

The virus can spread between humans directly or through contact with surfaces previously touched by an infected person. It can also be transmitted from wild animals to humans in regions where the virus is prevalent.

There are two strains of the virus: the "Congo Basin strain" and the "West African strain." Both can be fatal, though historically, the Congo Basin strain has had a higher mortality rate.

Symptoms of Monkeypox

Monkeypox causes a range of symptoms that can vary from mild to severe.

Common symptoms include a rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, and back pain. Pregnant women, children, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of experiencing more severe symptoms.

Disease Spread in Africa

According to data from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 African countries have reported 38,465 cases and 1,456 deaths from monkeypox since January 2022. There has been a 160% increase in cases in 2024 compared to the previous year.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced a severe outbreak, with over 14,000 cases and 511 deaths recorded since the beginning of 2024.

Reasons for Increasing Cases

Scientists suggest that the rise in cases may be due to the emergence of a new, more deadly and transmissible strain of the virus, first identified in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in September 2023.

This strain has spread to several other African countries, including Morocco, Egypt, and Sudan.

Global Concern

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has called the rate of infection "alarming" and declared a "public health emergency of international concern." The organization’s head, Jean Kaseya, has urged proactive measures to contain the threat.

Monkeypox Vaccines

Although vaccines are available to combat monkeypox, access remains a significant challenge. Africa needs 10 million doses, but only about 200,000 doses are currently available. Vaccination programs face logistical hurdles, complicating efforts to contain the current outbreak in various African countries.