Sweden reports first case of new MPX variant outside Africa

Health authorities are urging close monitoring of the spread of a new variant of the MPX virus, commonly known as monkeypox, outside Africa, although they currently do not see a cause for alarm within the country. The first case detected outside Africa was reported in Sweden today.

Guðrún Aspelund, the nation’s chief epidemiologist, expressed concerns due to changes in the virus’s transmission patterns that could facilitate cross-border spread. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global health emergency due to the outbreak in Africa, which has been most severe in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where 548 deaths have occurred this year from MPX.

With the emergence of this new variant, which appears to be more transmissible than strains seen between 2022 and 2023, the method of transmission has evolved. Previously, infections primarily occurred through zoonotic transfers from animals to humans, but recent reports show the virus spreading through sexual contact, a transmission route not seen before with this variant.

Alongside monitoring efforts, Guðrún noted that the health system has been prepared since the MPX virus began spreading internationally in 2022, with guidelines issued to handle new cases effectively. The authorities maintain their vigilance and will continue to collaborate with partners across the Nordic countries and Europe to keep track of developments.