On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency regarding mpox, previously known as monkeypox, due to the emergence of a new strain spreading from the Republic of Congo.

The clade 1b strain of mpox is particularly concerning as it appears to spread more easily through close contact, raising alarms among health officials.

Sweden has reported its first case of the more severe mpox clade 1 variant, which has been linked to outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

While vaccination efforts will continue, they will primarily target the most at-risk populations, as rich countries have managed to control outbreaks through vaccination and contact tracing.

However, poorer countries still face challenges due to inadequate vaccine supplies, limiting their ability to combat the outbreak effectively.

In response to the rising threat, Danish company Bavarian Nordic is considering increasing vaccine production, while Roche is enhancing laboratory testing capacity to better manage the situation.

The UK Health Security Agency currently assesses the risk to the UK population as low, but it is preparing for potential cases of mpox.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa indicated that the detection of a case suggests the virus may be circulating within the community, emphasizing the need for vigilance.

Health authorities are actively monitoring individuals who had close contact with the infected patient, with 42 people currently under observation.

The WHO has updated its guidelines to combat the outbreak, stressing the importance of flexible vaccination strategies and thorough investigations into cases.

Public health experts recommend vaccination for individuals at high risk of exposure, particularly those with multiple sexual partners or recent contact with confirmed cases.

Despite rising concerns among the public about potential lockdowns reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic, experts advise a measured response rather than panic.