First case of “monkeypox” (mpox) in Europe is confirmed

Fears of monkeypox spreading beyond its endemic African countries have been confirmed, as the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced the first case in a European country – Sweden.

This development underscores the interconnected nature of our global community. The WHO anticipates that additional imported cases of the Clade 1 subtype will likely be detected in Europe in the coming days and weeks.

The individual in Sweden, the first case in Europe, is said to have contracted the infection “during their stay in an African region currently experiencing a significant outbreak of the mpox Clade 1 subtype”, as clarified by Olivia Wigzell, the temporary head of the Swedish Public Health Agency, in a press conference.

Just hours after the WHO raised the alarm about monkeypox, the pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic announced its capacity to produce up to 10 million vaccine doses by the end of 2025.

The company’s vice president shared their ability to manufacture 2 million doses in 2024 and a total of 10 million by the end of the following year. However, he caveated that they would await official orders from interested countries before ramping up production.

Bavarian Nordic claims that it currently has a stock of 500,000 doses.

According to international media reports, Bavarian Nordic’s shares experienced a surge, rising by up to 8% on the Copenhagen stock exchange on Thursday, following a 12% increase the previous day. This positive market response is attributed to the company’s licensed monkeypox vaccine, approved for use since 2019.

So, what is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a virus typically found in central and western African countries. The recent epidemic has spread to 13 African nations, including some that had not previously reported cases.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus was first discovered in monkeys in a laboratory setting, hence its original name, “monkeypox.”

However, in 2022, the WHO renamed the virus following justified complaints that the initial name was “stigmatising and racist”.

While most cases result in mild symptoms, there have also been fatalities associated with the disease.

Monkeypox spreads through close contact with infected individuals, including via sexual intercourse.

The ongoing outbreak in Africa is caused by the endemic Clade 1b variant. Notably, this new mutation appears to transmit more easily through close contact, especially among children.

Jean Claude Udahemuka, from the University of Rwanda, has described the Clade 1b variant as “undoubtedly the most dangerous mpox clade so far.”

What are the symptoms?

The most distinctive symptom of monkeypox is a skin rash or pimples filled with pus, which can last for two to four weeks.

These lesions can appear anywhere on the body, and some individuals may have just one, while others may present with hundreds or even more.

According to the CDC, other symptoms to be aware of include:

• Fever

• Chills

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Extreme fatigue

• Muscle aches and back pain

• Headaches

• Respiratory issues such as a sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough

Importantly, the WHO notes that in some cases, individuals may start feeling unwell before the rash appears, while for others, the skin symptoms may be the first or only indication of infection.

Leandre Murhula Masirika, a research coordinator in South Kivu province, has indicated that this new variant causes similar symptoms to other variants but is generally more severe.

A study of patients hospitalised in eastern Congo between October and January revealed that the new variant initially caused milder symptoms and rashes primarily on the genitals, making it harder to detect.