Sweden Reports First Case of Severe Mpox Variant Outside Africa

Sweden has identified the first case of a new and dangerous form of mpox, previously known as monkeypox, outside of Africa. The infected individual had recently traveled to the continent, where the new variant is believed to cause more severe illness and has a significantly higher mortality rate. This strain is also more likely to spread through heterosexual populations.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency on Wednesday as the outbreak, primarily centered in the Democratic Republic of Congo, continues to worsen. The country has recorded 15,600 cases and 537 deaths, the majority of which have been among children under 15. The virus has also spread to a dozen other African nations.