Sweden has recorded the first case of the new infectious variant of mpox, or monkeypox.
"A person who sought care" in Stockholm "has been diagnosed with mpox caused by the clade I variant. It is the first case caused by clade I to be diagnosed outside the African continent,” Sweden's Public Health Agency said in a statement – quoted by Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared on Wednesday that the increase in mpox (Monkeypox) in Africa is now a global public health emergency.
"Today, the emergency committee met and advised me that in its view, the situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. I have taken that advice,” said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at a press conference yesterday.
This is the highest possible alert issued by the WHO for the currently deteriorating situation.
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox, abbreviated as "Mpox", is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus.
The virus can spread between people directly or through contact with surfaces previously touched by an infected person. It can also be transmitted from wild animals to humans in regions where the virus is prevalent.
Symptoms of monkey pox
Monkeypox causes a variety of symptoms that can vary from mild to severe.
Common symptoms include rash, fever, headache, muscle aches and back pain. Pregnant women, children and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of experiencing more severe symptoms.
