The first case of Monkeypox Branch I strain infection emerged in Sweden

On August 15, the Public Health Agency of Sweden issued a communique stating that a patient in the Stockholm region was diagnosed with the Monkeypox "Branch I" strain.

According to epidemiologist Magnus Isgren, the patient was infected during a trip to an African region where the Monkeypox "Branch I" strain outbreak was severe. Currently, the patient has received treatment and care in Sweden and has adhered to relevant prevention and control regulations.

The health agency pointed out that the disease caused by the "Branch I" strain is similar to the "Branch IIb" strain previously identified in Sweden, but the condition is expected to be more severe and have a higher mortality rate. Previously, about 300 cases of Monkeypox related to the global spread of the "Branch IIb" strain have been reported in Sweden. The "Branch IIb" strain is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, while the "Branch I" strain is mainly transmitted through other contact routes, especially close contact within families, and children are often infected.

The Public Health Agency of Sweden stated that it is prepared for the diagnosis, isolation, and treatment of Monkeypox cases. Isgren said that the epidemic will be closely monitored and it will be continuously evaluated whether new measures need to be taken. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control believes that the current Monkeypox patients undergoing treatment pose an extremely low risk to public health, but such sporadic imported cases may continue to occur.

On August 14, the World Health Organization declared the Monkeypox epidemic as a "public health emergency of international concern". This is the second time since July 2022 that the WHO has issued the highest-level warning regarding the Monkeypox epidemic. The reported case of Monkeypox "Branch I" strain infection in Sweden this time has drawn attention from all sectors to the development of the Monkeypox epidemic and also warns all countries to strengthen the monitoring, prevention, and control of the Monkeypox epidemic to safeguard public health.