Sweden Reports First Case of mpox Strain outside Africa

Sweden reported the first case of the clade I variant of mpox outside Africa in August 2024, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Mpox, caused by the mpox virus from the Orthopoxvirus genus, spreads through close contact, leading to symptoms like fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Originally found in Africa, cases surged globally in 2022, with clade I being more dangerous and primarily seen in Africa. WHO is fast-tracking vaccine approval for emergency use to combat the spread, especially in low-income nations.