Sweden has reported its first case of Mpox, specifically the more severe Clade I variant, causing concerns about the global spread of the virus.
The patient, who contracted the virus during a trip to Africa, sought medical attention in Stockholm. Health officials confirmed the diagnosis, emphasizing that the individual has received appropriate care and is following health agency guidelines.
Swedish Health and Social Affairs Minister Jakob Forssmed highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, “We have now also during the afternoon had confirmation that we have one case in Sweden of the more grave type of Mpox, the one called Clade I.”
The announcement follows the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring Mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that has transcended continental boundaries.
The WHO’s decision to declare Mpox a global health emergency was influenced by the rapid spread of the virus, particularly the Clade I variant, which has a higher mortality rate compared to other strains.
This year alone, over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths have been reported across Africa, with the DRC being the epicenter.