()– The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that more cases of monkeypox (mpox) are likely to occur in Europe in the coming days and weeks.
The warning came after Sweden confirmed its first case of the Clade I strain of the virus on Thursday, according to the Swedish public health agency, which stated that it is the first time the strain has been detected outside of Africa.
“The confirmation of mpox Clade I in Sweden is a clear reflection of the interconnectedness of our world, […] “There are likely to be more imported cases of Clade I in the European region in the coming days and weeks,” a statement from the WHO European office said on Friday.
The agency urged Member States to be transparent and share data on any cases of mpox to control its spread. “It is imperative that we do not stigmatize travelers or countries or regions. Only by working together, sharing data and taking the necessary public health measures will we be able to control the spread of this virus,” the statement said.
“Travel restrictions and border closures do not work and should be avoided,” the agency added.
The WHO declared on Wednesday that the smallpox outbreak occurring in several African countries is a global health emergency, the highest level of alarm under international health law. It follows a public health emergency declaration the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made for the continent on Tuesday.
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