ECDC warns of the risk of new cases of the deadly mpox strain in Europe
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has urged EU countries to strengthen preparedness measures in response to the threat of the spread of a new mpox strain.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has called on the European Union countries to prepare for new cases of infection with the deadly mpox strain.
This recommendation was published following the detection of the first case of the new Clade 1b strain infection in Sweden.
According to the ECDC, the overall risk of mpox spread in the EU and European Economic Area (EEA) countries, which include 30 countries, remains low. However, experts warn that the likelihood of infection among Europeans who visit regions with high levels of infection and have close contact with infected individuals is significantly increasing.
In light of this, the regulator urges national health authorities to maintain a high level of preparedness and enhance public awareness efforts.
According to ECDC estimates, the likelihood of an increase in cases in Europe is very high. "Due to close ties between Europe and Africa, we must be prepared for an increase in the number of infected arrivals," said ECDC Director Pamela Rendi-Wagner.
This week, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the spread of the new Clade 1b mpox strain a public health emergency of international concern. This strain is characterized by more severe disease progression and a higher mortality rate compared to previous variants of the virus.
The first confirmed outbreak of the Clade 1b strain outside of Africa was reported in Sweden on August 15. Local authorities confirmed the infection of one person who is already receiving the necessary medical care.
Currently, the patient's condition is stable, and they are following precautionary measures in accordance with current guidelines.
The ECDC continues to monitor the situation and strongly recommends that EU member states maintain a high level of readiness to respond promptly to potential new cases.
It is worth noting that at the end of 2023, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) experienced a sharp increase in mpox cases due to the emergence of a new virus variant called Clade I.
In 2024, over 16,000 new cases of infection have already been registered in the DRC, with 511 resulting in fatalities.
In recent weeks, nine countries, including eight neighboring DRC states (Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda), as well as Kenya, have reported detected mpox cases.
Although genetic sequencing has not been conducted in some countries, the new Clade I variant has been confirmed in Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya.