Deadly MPOX Variant Spreading Rapidly in Europe
Sweden has confirmed its first case of the viral monkeypox infection variant known as clade I, marking a concerning development in the spread of this deadly disease. The Nordic country’s health officials announced today that a single case of the ‘more serious variant’ of the virus has been identified, making Sweden the first country outside of Africa to register a case.
Magnus Gisslén, the state epidemiologist at the Public Health Agency of Sweden, stated, “In this case, a person has been infected during a stay in the part of Africa where there is a major outbreak of mpox clade I. The person in Sweden who has been confirmed to be infected has received care and rules of conduct.”
This confirmation comes after monkeypox was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization for the second time in two years due to the emergence of a new strain in over a dozen countries. The new outbreak originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in over 500 deaths and prompting the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention to seek international assistance in curbing its spread.
Jakob Forssmed, the Swedish health and social affairs minister, revealed in a news conference, “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.” Health officials emphasized that the infected patient posed no risk to the general population, and the infection was classified as a ‘special event.’
Olivia Wigzel, acting director general at the Public Health Agency, noted that this case marked the first instance of the virus variant being diagnosed outside of Africa. The Clade I variant produces the same disease as the previous strain found in Sweden, but is believed to be linked to a greater risk of severe illness and increased mortality, according to the Public Health Agency.
The new strain of mpox is causing alarm worldwide due to its ability to spread through close contact from animals to humans and between individuals. Symptoms of the infection include fever, chills, headache, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain, and skin rash. Individuals suspecting a monkeypox infection are advised to contact a healthcare provider promptly.
The latest infection in Sweden coincides with a warning from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to clinicians regarding the potential for Clade I monkeypox infection in suspected patients with ties to the 13 African countries where the variant is prevalent. The UKHSA identified the countries with the Clade I variant as the DRC, Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Cameroon, Gabon, Angola, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia.
As the global community grapples with the threat posed by the Clade I monkeypox variant, vigilance and swift action are crucial in preventing further spread of this deadly disease. Stay informed and follow health guidelines to protect yourself and those around you from this emerging health crisis.
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