BRUSSELS – The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on Aug 16 raised its risk level for mpox, a day after global health officials confirmed the first infection with a new strain of the virus outside Africa, in Sweden. Consequently, the change in the EU mpox alert level may influence national response strategies. #EUmpoxAlert
The EU public health body’s head said there will be more imported cases of the new mpox strain in Europe in the coming weeks, though the risk of sustained transmission remains low.
The World Health Organisation on Aug 14 declared mpox a global public health emergency, its highest form of alert, following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that had spread to neighbouring countries.
The global health body is due to host an emergency meeting on Aug 16 to discuss ways to ensure fair global access to tests, treatments and vaccines for the virus, a leading official said.
Mpox, a viral infection that causes pus-filled lesions and flu-like symptoms, is usually mild but can kill. Two strains are now spreading in Congo – the endemic form of the virus, clade I, and a new offshoot called clade Ib.
The ECDC on Aug 16 raised its risk level assessment for mpox to “moderate” from “low” for sporadic cases appearing in the bloc, and asked countries to maintain high levels of awareness among travellers visiting from affected areas.
“Due to the close links between Europe and Africa, we must be prepared for more imported clade I cases,” director Pamela Rendi Wagner said.
Furthermore, this adjustment in the EU mpox alert level highlights the evolving nature of public health responses. It underscores the need for ongoing evaluation and adaptability in managing disease outbreaks. #EUmpoxAlert
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