Switzerland has confirmed its first case of a new, more contagious strain of mpox, marking the latest European country to report an infection. This new strain, known as clade Ib, has been spreading rapidly in Central Africa since its discovery in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 2023.
What Is Mpox and How Does It Spread?
Mpox is a viral disease that can cause a variety of symptoms, including a rash, fever, headache, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and respiratory issues. The virus primarily spreads through close skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
There are two main types of mpox: Clade II, which is found in West Africa, and Clade I, which is found in Central Africa. The 2022 global outbreak was caused by Clade II and raised concerns across Europe and North America. Although Clade II is still spreading in West Africa, it is less severe compared to Clade I.
Clade Ib, a subset of Clade I, has raised concerns because it appears to spread more easily and may be causing more severe illness, particularly in children.
How Has the New Strain Spread in Europe?
So far, the new Clade Ib strain has been identified in several European countries, primarily among individuals who traveled to parts of Africa where outbreaks are ongoing. Here’s a breakdown of where the new strain has been detected:
Switzerland
Switzerland reported its first case in April 2024. The patient had recently returned from Uganda, where Clade I cases are on the rise. Swiss health authorities have isolated the patient and stated that there is no risk to the public. However, they advise anyone who suspects they have mpox to seek medical advice immediately.
United Kingdom
The UK has reported 11 cases of Clade Ib. Most of these were linked to travel, but a recent case in April 2024 involved someone who had not traveled recently and had no known contact with previous cases. Health authorities say the risk to the public remains low and that no further cases were found among the person’s close contacts.
Germany
Germany has reported eight cases of Clade Ib, with the first case detected in October 2023. Some of these cases involved individuals who traveled to affected regions and subsequently infected family members. However, there has been no further spread beyond households.
Belgium
Belgium has reported five cases, with the first cases in December 2023. One person had traveled abroad and passed the virus to a child. Additional cases were reported in January and February 2024.
France
France identified its first case in January 2024, with a person contracting mpox after close contact with travelers from Central Africa. A second case was reported in February.
Sweden
Sweden reported its first case of Clade Ib in August 2024. The patient, who was infected in Africa, sought medical care in Stockholm. This remains the only case in Sweden.
The Global Spread of Clade Ib
While most European cases are linked to travel, the new strain has also been detected outside Europe. Countries such as the United States, Canada, Brazil, China, India, Thailand, and others have reported infections as well. In August 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the African mpox outbreak a global public health emergency, warning that more cases could appear worldwide.
As health authorities monitor the situation, the risk to the general public remains low, but experts are keeping a close eye on the potential for further spread.
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