Norway and the Netherlands Increase Vigilance for Emerging Mpox Variant
Authorities in Norway and the Netherlands are on high alert due to concerns over a new variant of mpox.
TroibNews 
Norway and the Netherlands have increased their alertness levels regarding a novel strain of mpox following the announcement of Sweden's initial confirmed case of the more contagious Clade I variant last Thursday.
Following a case in Sweden, Norway's health infrastructure is prepared to tackle any possible mpox outbreaks, as stated by the Ministry of Health on Monday.
"The risk of mpox infection in the Norwegian population is low, according to the Institute of Public Health," Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre commented in the statement.
"However, isolated cases may still occur in Norway, similar to those seen in Sweden. Our country is equipped with robust health preparedness, a well-prepared healthcare system, and ample access to vaccines to handle mpox infections effectively," he continued.
The ministry also highlighted the importance of coordination with the World Health Organization, the European Union, domestic health agencies, and regional health entities in addressing any future developments.
On the other hand, the Dutch public health authority, RIVM, informed on Monday that their healthcare providers are vigilant for new cases of this mpox virus variant.
"If a case is detected, the Municipal Health Service will conduct source and contact tracing and provide guidance to prevent further transmission," the RIVM mentioned. "Vaccination is available for close contacts. The Netherlands has sufficient vaccines in stock."
Chantal Reusken, a virologist at RIVM, expressed to the media that it is probable that this new variant will make its way to the Netherlands eventually. However, she reassured that the risk is manageable and the healthcare system is robust.
Originally endemic in West and Central Africa, mpox started appearing in Europe in spring 2022 with no direct links to the affected regions. Following a peak in summer 2022, the cases significantly reduced by fall, totaling 1,316 confirmed cases in the Netherlands.
A more lethal variant, Clade Ib, arose in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and adjacent nations in 2024. Consequently, on August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization escalated mpox to a public health emergency of international concern, marking the second such declaration in two years.
On August 15, it was confirmed by Swedish health authorities that the first case of the infectious Clade I variant of mpox was identified within the country. The Public Health Agency of Sweden reported that this marks the first confirmed instance of this variant outside Africa.
According to the Swedish health agency, Clade I differs from the earlier variant, which primarily transmitted through sexual contact. It is now spreading chiefly through household contact and has been affecting children more frequently. While it induces a similar illness to the Clade IIb variant that spread globally in 2022, Clade I has a potential for more severe outcomes and higher mortality rates.
(With input from Xinhua)
(Cover: In Rijswijk, Netherlands, medical staff prepares to administer the mpox vaccine at a vaccination center, July 25, 2022. /CFP)
Mathilde Moreau for TROIB News
Following a case in Sweden, Norway's health infrastructure is prepared to tackle any possible mpox outbreaks, as stated by the Ministry of Health on Monday.
"The risk of mpox infection in the Norwegian population is low, according to the Institute of Public Health," Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre commented in the statement.
"However, isolated cases may still occur in Norway, similar to those seen in Sweden. Our country is equipped with robust health preparedness, a well-prepared healthcare system, and ample access to vaccines to handle mpox infections effectively," he continued.
The ministry also highlighted the importance of coordination with the World Health Organization, the European Union, domestic health agencies, and regional health entities in addressing any future developments.
On the other hand, the Dutch public health authority, RIVM, informed on Monday that their healthcare providers are vigilant for new cases of this mpox virus variant.
"If a case is detected, the Municipal Health Service will conduct source and contact tracing and provide guidance to prevent further transmission," the RIVM mentioned. "Vaccination is available for close contacts. The Netherlands has sufficient vaccines in stock."
Chantal Reusken, a virologist at RIVM, expressed to the media that it is probable that this new variant will make its way to the Netherlands eventually. However, she reassured that the risk is manageable and the healthcare system is robust.
Originally endemic in West and Central Africa, mpox started appearing in Europe in spring 2022 with no direct links to the affected regions. Following a peak in summer 2022, the cases significantly reduced by fall, totaling 1,316 confirmed cases in the Netherlands.
A more lethal variant, Clade Ib, arose in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and adjacent nations in 2024. Consequently, on August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization escalated mpox to a public health emergency of international concern, marking the second such declaration in two years.
On August 15, it was confirmed by Swedish health authorities that the first case of the infectious Clade I variant of mpox was identified within the country. The Public Health Agency of Sweden reported that this marks the first confirmed instance of this variant outside Africa.
According to the Swedish health agency, Clade I differs from the earlier variant, which primarily transmitted through sexual contact. It is now spreading chiefly through household contact and has been affecting children more frequently. While it induces a similar illness to the Clade IIb variant that spread globally in 2022, Clade I has a potential for more severe outcomes and higher mortality rates.
(With input from Xinhua)
(Cover: In Rijswijk, Netherlands, medical staff prepares to administer the mpox vaccine at a vaccination center, July 25, 2022. /CFP)
Mathilde Moreau for TROIB News
