WHO declares global health crisis following mpox case in Sweden

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global health crisis related to mpox, a rare viral disease that has been more commonly observed in West and Central Africa and was previously known as monkeypox. In Sweden, a case of the clade 1 variant has been reported, marking the first instance of this variant outside of Africa.

Mpox is transmitted to humans from infected animals and can spread from person to person, primarily through close physical contact, such as kissing and sexual activity, during symptomatic stages. Currently, there have been only five reported cases of mpox in Denmark this year, predominantly among men who have sex with men. The disease is considered not highly contagious, with transmission also possible from contaminated objects like bedding or toys.

Symptoms typically begin with fever, chills, muscle aches, and headaches, followed by a rash that often starts on the face and can spread across the body, developing into blister-like lesions. While the disease is usually mild to moderate, lasting around 2-4 weeks, there have been severe cases in other countries, notably the Democratic Republic of Congo, where a significant outbreak has claimed over 500 lives among more than 16,000 reported cases this year.

In response to evolving outbreaks, WHO’s recent declaration reflects concerns over new virus variants and increased cases in multiple African nations. However, health authorities in Denmark assure that the risk to the general population remains very low. The Danish pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic produces Jynneos, the only mpox vaccine approved by regulatory authorities, which is available for specific groups following medical evaluation. High protection levels are also expected among those vaccinated against smallpox, particularly individuals born in 1970 or earlier.