First Case of Highly Transmissible Ib Variant of Monkeypox Confirmed in Sweden

The Acting Director of the Swedish Public Health Agency announced on Thursday that they have confirmed the first case of the Ib variant of monkeypox outside of Africa. The patient sought medical services in Stockholm.

The Ib variant is more transmissible and has a higher mortality rate than other monkeypox strains. This case marks the first instance of the Ib type infection confirmed outside the African continent, indicating the virus's spread to other continents.

Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus and can present symptoms such as rash, fever, headache, body aches, and lymph node swelling. It spreads through direct contact with infected skin or bodily fluids and respiratory droplets. Most patients recover within a few weeks, but serious cases and fatalities do occur.

The Swedish Public Health Agency stated, "We have confirmed that the patient was infected during their stay in Africa, where a monkeypox outbreak is currently ongoing."

Swedish epidemiologist Magnus Gisslen mentioned that the patient has received treatment and guidelines including isolation measures and personal hygiene practices.

Moreover, Swedish health officials emphasized that treating monkeypox patients domestically poses minimal risk to the general public. However, they acknowledged that sporadic imported cases might continue to appear.

Given the resources available in Sweden and other affluent countries, scientists believe that if the Ib variant is detected related to Africa, it can be contained relatively quickly.

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the monkeypox outbreak a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" (PHEIC), marking the second such declaration for monkeypox in over two years. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus explained that the Ib variant is more deadly, with a current mortality rate close to 3%, significantly higher than the previous outbreak’s mortality rate of about 0.2%. The Ib variant also spreads more easily through close contact and is highly transmissible to children.

To date, several African countries have reported more cases this year than last, with over 14,000 reported infections and 524 deaths.

While the news about the first case outside Africa may cause alarm, experts suggest that it is an anticipated development. More cases can be expected globally, but quick international collaboration can help slow the spread.