RT by @ECDC_EU: Sweden – a @WHO_Europe Member State – has confirmed the first clade I #mpox case outside of the African Region.

This, a day after @WHO declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern amid the rapidly evolving clade I scenario in the Democratic Republic of Congo and several other African countries.

Swedish health authorities say the infected person had travelled to an area of Africa experiencing an mpox outbreak.

As we noted earlier, it was only a matter of time before mpox clade I – which appears to be more severe than clade II - was detected in other @WHO Regions, given our interconnected world.

The infected person is being treated for their symptoms.
Standard public health measures including isolation of the patient and contact tracing are being undertaken.

Swedish health authorities stress that while the threat to the wider public remains low, vigilance is essential.

I commend 🇸🇪 @socialdep under Minister @jakobforssmed for today’s announcement.

It demonstrates transparency and is proof of a robust mpox surveillance system – an example for all countries to follow.

Once again, WHO/Europe urges all 53 of our Member States across Europe and Central Asia to enhance surveillance to detect mpox, issue sound public health advice, and strengthen access to vaccines and antivirals.

Not least, I also urge governments, health authorities and the public at large not to stigmatise or discriminate against any individuals or communities impacted by mpox.

This is a message we drove home time and again during the 2022 mpox clade II outbreak in the WHO/Europe Region when men who have sex with men were largely affected.

That initial outbreak was swiftly curbed through engaging and partnering with communities – to empower people to take charge of their own health, take appropriate protective measures and create a supportive environment conducive to optimal health outcomes.

As the current mpox clade II …

[2024-08-15 16:26 UTC]