Rabat – The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) raised on Friday the alert level for the mpox virus, formerly known as monkeypox, advising European Union member states to take precautions against a new variant spreading from Central Africa.
The declaration comes after the first case of the more dangerous mpox strain (Clade 1) was reported in Europe, specifically in Sweden, on August 15.
The ECDC highlighted the potential for increased cases in Europe due to frequent travel between the continents and recommended that travelers to and from affected regions consider getting vaccinated.
“As a result of the rapid spread of this outbreak in Africa, ECDC has increased the level of risk for the general population in the EU/EEA and travelers to affected areas. Due to the close links between Europe and Africa, we must be prepared for more imported clade I cases,” said ECDC Director Pamela Rendi-Wagner.
The new mpox variant, clade 1, has been particularly severe in countries such as Burundi, the Central African Republic, Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya, with Congo reporting over 16,000 infections and 511 deaths this year.
The ECDC stressed that while the risk of widespread transmission within the EU remains low, quick detection and treatment of cases are crucial to preventing outbreaks.
This announcement follows the World Health Organization’s declaration of the mpox clade 1 virus as a “public health emergency of international concern,” its highest level of alert.
In response, some countries, like China, have implemented stricter border controls, while the EU is focusing on enhancing surveillance, laboratory testing, and educating travelers.
The ECDC’s recommendations include that travelers experiencing symptoms seek immediate medical attention and isolate to prevent further spread. Despite the rising concern, the agency clarified that travel bans and border controls within the EU are not deemed necessary at this stage.
In 2022, the world saw a significant outbreak of mpox, primarily caused by clade 2 of the virus. This strain spread internationally and led to a public health emergency declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Despite its spread, clade 2 was relatively mild, with a low mortality rate, and was primarily transmitted through close physical contact, including sexual networks.
Meanwhile, the current situation in 2024 is more concerning due to the emergence of the more dangerous variant, clade 1.
