Sweden has confirmed the first case of a more contagious form of mpox outside of Africa. The patient had recently traveled to one of the 12 African countries where the virus is circulating. In 2024 the virus has sickened and killed a record number of people in the region, most of whom live in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The virus has reached countries that had never seen outbreaks, including the Ivory Coast and Kenya. These outbreaks are fueled partly by the virus’ mutations which have allowed it to spread more easily from person to person. This growing threat prompted the World Health Organization to declare a public health emergency of international concern one day before the Sweden case was confirmed.
Just two years ago, the US experienced its first mpox outbreaks; Over 32,000 people were infected and 58 died. These outbreaks were preceded by a similar surge in cases in the African continent. similar in parts of the African continent. The virus did not vanish from the US but has receded significantly, as the country has averaged only several cases per week in recent months. The more contagious type of mpox responsible for the new wave of infections has public health experts concerned it could once hit the US.
Full Story: NBC News
