New case of m-pox confirmed in Oslo, bringing total to two infections

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) has confirmed a new case of m-pox in Oslo, bringing the total number of infections in the capital to two. “Contact tracing will investigate any connections between the cases,” stated Preben Aavitsland from FHI.

The FHI is supporting local authorities in managing this recent outbreak, believed to be of the Type II variant, known for causing significant outbreaks in Europe and North America in 2022. M-pox, previously referred to as monkeypox, is a viral disease belonging to the same family as smallpox.

According to the municipality of Oslo, the recent case does not match the viral type found in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2023. Fredrik Rønning Iversen, Oslo’s infection control chief, reiterated that the confirmed case belongs to the Type II variant circulating globally since the earlier outbreak.

Rolf Martin Angeltvedt, director of the Health Committee, has expressed concerns about the accessibility of the m-pox vaccine, advocating for the removal of the approximately 300 NOK fee associated with it. He noted that individuals with more resources and lower-risk behaviors are more likely to vaccinate, while those with fewer resources who are at higher risk do not prioritize vaccination.

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) leader, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has warned that the disease is on track to become an international public health crisis, as the virus has been detected in several European countries. Symptoms include fever, rash, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, and transmission occurs through close contact.

Since 2022, Norway has recorded 109 cases, primarily among men who have sex with men. Aavitsland emphasized that vaccination is offered to at-risk groups, including sex workers and healthcare personnel.

Norwegian Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre has assured that the country is well-prepared to manage m-pox, highlighting ample vaccine availability and robust healthcare infrastructure. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has raised the risk level for m-pox from low to moderate in anticipation of potential spread within Europe.