ECDC Issues Low Risk Assessment Amid Rising Mpox Cases in Europe
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has issued a risk assessment stating that the overall risk for the general population in the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA) remains low, despite concerns over the recent emergence of a more dangerous mpox strain. The ECDC, based in Stockholm, emphasized the importance of public health authorities in the EU and EEA maintaining heightened levels of preparedness and awareness to ensure rapid detection and response to potential outbreaks.
ECDC Director Pamela Rendi-Wagner highlighted the likelihood of more imported cases of the new mpox strain, known as Clade 1b, due to the close connections between Europe and Africa. "We must be prepared for more imported Clade I cases," she remarked in a recent statement. This warning comes in response to the World Health Organization's (WHO) declaration of a public health emergency of international concern regarding the rapid spread of this new variant.
The WHO has recently reported a concerning surge in mpox virus cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where 548 deaths have been recorded so far this year. With the first cases of the virus now reported in Sweden and Pakistan, the likelihood of additional imported cases in Europe appears to be increasing, according to WHO officials.
Despite the overall low risk for the general population, the ECDC indicated that individuals from Europe traveling to affected regions who have close contact with local communities face a high likelihood of infection. Furthermore, there is a moderate risk identified for close contacts of possible or confirmed imported cases of the virus in Europe.
Mpox, which is transmitted to humans by animals, can also spread from person to person through close physical contact. Symptoms include fever, muscular aches, and large, boil-like skin lesions, raising concerns for public health officials monitoring the situation. As Europe continues to monitor the progress of the outbreak, a focused and responsive approach is deemed crucial to mitigate risks and protect public health.
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