Sweden confirms first case of Clade I mpox amid global alert
On Thursday, Sweden announced that the first case of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) had been confirmed. "We have one case in Sweden of the more grave type of mpox, the one called Clade I," said Minister of Health and Social Affairs Jakob Forssmed.
5:57 PM EDT, August 15, 2024
On Thursday, Sweden confirmed the first case of mpox viral infection, which spreads through close contact.
"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," said Minister of Health and Social Affairs Jakob Forssmed at a press conference.
WHO warns about mpox
The mpox virus (formerly known as monkeypox) causes symptoms of acute viral infection, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and a rash resembling pustules.
On Thursday, the World Health Organization, for the second time in two years, declared mpox a global public health threat. This follows the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has spread to other countries.
The virus is sexually transmitted, but there is evidence that the new strain can also be transmitted through close skin contact. Cases of virus transmission between students at school or between a caregiver and a child have been reported.
