Today, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control has raised the alert level for monkeypox following the confirmation of a new strain in Sweden. This marks the first case of the virus outside Africa, prompting health officials to enhance monitoring across Europe.
The newly identified strain, Clade I, was detected in a patient in Stockholm who had recently traveled to Africa, where outbreaks are ongoing. The European Center has now classified the risk of monkeypox in Europe as 'moderate', urging heightened vigilance among travelers from affected regions.
Germany's Health Minister reassured the public, stating that the risk of widespread transmission remains low despite this new case. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared monkeypox a global public health emergency, emphasizing the interconnectedness of health risks worldwide.
In Asia, Pakistan has also reported a monkeypox case linked to travel from the Emirates, although it remains uncertain whether the infection is from the new strain or the previously known variant. China is set to monitor monkeypox outbreaks closely over the next six months.
With the ongoing epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo leading to over 500 deaths this year, the WHO warns that more cases are likely to emerge outside Africa, but advises against imposing travel restrictions. Countries are encouraged to stay alert for potential imported cases as the situation evolves.
