Denmark health officials confirmed the first case of the mpox variant clade 1b in the country, according to Statens Serum Institut (SSI) senior physician and department head Uffe Vest Schneider.
The infection is believed to have occurred through sexual contact abroad.
Image/UKHSA
“In line with international spread, it is expected that we will also see cases of clade 1b in Denmark. This does not change the fact that the overall risk of infection in Denmark remains very low, and that we have a preparedness that can quickly handle and limit infection,” says Uffe Vest Schneider.
Since 2022, slightly more than 200 cases of mpox of clade 2 have been detected in Denmark. Infection with mpox clade 2 has predominantly been among men who have sex with men.
The overall risk of infection in the Danish population with mpox of both clades 1b and 2 is assessed as very low. However, there may still be an increased risk of infection with both clades among men who have sex with men. It is therefore important to protect yourself when having sex with new partners. For example, by using a condom and getting vaccinated if you are at particular risk of being exposed to infection.
The typical symptoms are a rash with small blisters on the skin and flu-like symptoms. The course of mpox clade 1b, like mpox clade 2, is generally expected to be mild and self-limiting.
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