Norway and the Netherlands have heightened their health alerts after Sweden reported its first confirmed case of Clade I, a more infectious variant of mpox, last Thursday.
Norway’s Ministry of Health announced on Monday that the country’s health system is well-prepared to manage any potential outbreak. “The risk of mpox infection in the Norwegian population is low, according to the Institute of Public Health,” said Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre 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.”
The ministry emphasized its ongoing collaboration with the World Health Organization, the European Union, and Norway’s own health agencies, as well as regional health organizations, to monitor and respond to any developments.
Meanwhile, the Dutch public health authority, RIVM, stated on Monday that healthcare providers are on high alert for potential infections from the new variant of the mpox virus. “If a case is detected, the Municipal Health Service will conduct source and contact tracing and provide guidance to prevent further transmission,” the RIVM said. “Vaccination is available for close contacts. The Netherlands has sufficient vaccines in stock.”
Chantal Reusken, a virologist at RIVM, told local media that it is likely only a matter of time before the new variant appears in the Netherlands. “But the risk is low, and the disease is manageable due to the country’s robust healthcare system,” she added.
The spread of the new mpox variant in Europe has prompted health authorities to enhance surveillance and preparedness measures. Neighboring countries are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further transmission.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
