Sweden says it has confirmed its first case of mpox, a viral infection spread by close contact.
“During the afternoon, we received confirmation that in Sweden we have one case of a more severe type of smallpox, the one called “clade one,” said the Minister of Health and Social Affairs, Jakob Forsmed, at a press conference.
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday declared the mpox situation a public health emergency of international concern.
“A public health emergency of international concern is the highest level of alarm under international health law,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on the X social network and added:
“Advised by the Emergency Committee to myself and @AfricaCDC, who yesterday declared a Regional Security Public Health Emergency.”
Since the beginning of 2024, more than ten African countries have reported the disease, which is transmitted by close contact, with the Democratic Republic of Congo accounting for more than 90 percent of reported cases.
According to the WHO, mpox causes a rash and flu-like symptoms.
“WHO is committed in the days and weeks ahead to coordinate a global response, working closely with each of the affected countries and using our presence on the ground, to prevent transmission, treat those infected and save lives,” Ghebreyesus said.
WHO has developed a regional response plan, which requires an initial $15 million.
“We have released 1.45 million dollars from the WHO emergency fund, and we are planning more in the coming days. We are also appealing to donors to fund the rest of the response plan,” Ghebreyesus said.
Originally endemic to central and western Africa, the Mpox virus has now spread to nearly every continent, including North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia. The number of confirmed cases has surged into the hundreds of thousands, with many individuals requiring hospitalization due to severe symptoms.
In its announcement, the WHO expressed deep concern over the speed at which the virus is spreading, stressing the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to prevent the situation from worsening. Recommended measures include enhanced surveillance, widespread vaccination campaigns, and strict public health protocols to contain the outbreak.
Health experts have warned that without immediate and decisive action, the virus could continue to spread, overwhelming healthcare systems and leading to significant global disruptions. The WHO is working closely with governments and health agencies worldwide to mobilize resources and develop strategies to combat the outbreak.
