Sweden reports first case of more dangerous mpox variant outside Africa

Sweden has reported the first case of the more dangerous mpox variant, Clade I, outside of Africa. The announcement comes just one day after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, a global public health emergency, following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The outbreak has now spread to neighboring countries as the Democratic Republic of Congo grapples with a severe mpox outbreak that has resulted in more than 14,000 cases and nearly 550 deaths since early 2024. Sweden health officials said the infected person contracted the virus in Africa and has received appropriate care. They also emphasize that the risk to the general Swedish public remains low.