Sweden has reported a case of mpox within its borders – the first Clade 1 case outside of Africa.

According to a report by Sweden’s public health agency, the infected person sought treatment in Stockholm. They added that there is currently no risk to the wider population.

The patient became infected during a trip to a part of Africa that is currently experiencing a major outbreak of Clade 1 mpox.

This outbreak, centred on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has subsequently spread to neighbouring countries such as Burundi, the Central African Republic, Kenya, and Rwanda. According to figures by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), there have so far been approximately 13,700 cases and 450 deaths in the region.

The news comes shortly after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). As part of its response to the emergency, the WHO has released US$1.45 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies.

Clade 1 is the more deadly variant of mpox, compared with the Clade 2 version that was behind the 2022 international outbreak.

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is transmitted primarily through close contact, such as skin-to-skin contact, sex, or speaking or breathing close to another person.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control lists common symptoms of mpox as including fever and headaches, rashes, sores, and muscle ache – typically manifesting around 6–13 days after infection.

Most people experience mild or moderate symptoms, followed by a full recovery. However, risks are greater for immune-compromised individuals.