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First case of monkeypox outside Africa detected

VN (according to VNA) August 16, 2024 10:00

On August 15, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed a case of monkeypox virus infection in Sweden linked to an outbreak of the disease in Africa.

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Hand of a patient with monkeypox

This is the first sign that the disease has spread outside the Black Continent, a day after the WHO declared a global public health emergency (PHEIC) over the disease.

Speaking at a press conference, Swedish health officials said the patient was infected with the monkeypox virus strain belonging to clade Ib, which is linked to the recent outbreak in Africa. The patient is currently receiving treatment.

Meanwhile, the WHO warned: "The confirmation of a case of monkeypox in Sweden highlights the interconnectedness of our world... which is likely to lead to more cases of this disease in the European region in the coming days and weeks."

On August 14, the WHO declared a public health emergency after a monkeypox outbreak spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighboring countries. The strain of the virus that caused the current monkeypox outbreak is believed to cause more severe symptoms than the strain that caused the monkeypox outbreak in 2022. The new strain is spread through close contact.

VN (according to VNA)
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First case of monkeypox outside Africa detected