Sweden Reports First Case of Contagious Mpox Variant, WHO Declares Global Emergency
Sweden has confirmed its first case of the more contagious variant of mpox, a viral infection that spreads through close contact. This marks a significant development as it is the first time this variant has been detected outside of Africa. The infected individual contracted the virus while in a region of Africa currently experiencing a large outbreak, as disclosed by Olivia Wigzell, the director-general of the Swedish public health agency, during a press conference.
Earlier today, the World Health Organization (WHO) 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 since spread to other nations. The urgency of the situation was highlighted by Jakob Forssmed, Sweden's health and social affairs minister, who confirmed that the case identified in Sweden pertains to the more severe clade I variant of mpox.
Wigzell assured the public that the infected individual is receiving medical care and has been instructed to follow the health agency’s recommendations. The confirmation of this case underscores the increasing global threat posed by the clade I variant, which has now crossed international borders.
This recent development raises concerns about the potential for further spread of the virus, especially in light of the WHO's renewed declaration of an emergency. As authorities work to contain the situation, more details will be provided as they become available. The Swedish health officials are expected to monitor the situation closely and initiate necessary precautions to prevent any further transmission.
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