Mpox in Europe: Where has the more dangerous clade 1 strain been detected?
The Irish patient had recently returned from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the epicentre of an outbreak that has infected thousands of people since the new strain was detected in 2023.
There are two subtypes of the mpox virus. Clade II, which is endemic in West Africa, caused the global outbreak that had health authorities on high alert in Europe and North America in 2022. It continues to spread there at low levels.
Meanwhile clade I, which is endemic in Central Africa, is believed to cause more severe illness and a greater risk of death.
A subset of the more dangerous strain, known as clade Ib, emerged in the DRC in September 2023 and has since spread widely across the region, particularly in Burundi and Uganda.
How does mpox spread?
Much is still unknown about the severity of mpox caused by clade Ib, but it appears to spread more easily and is causing more illness among children.
Mpox spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, and can cause a rash, headache, fever, chills, lymph node swelling, and respiratory symptoms.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Africa's mpox outbreak a global public health emergency in August 2024. At the time, European health authorities warned that cases would likely emerge in Europe as well, though the risk to the public remains low.
Outside of Africa, the new strain has since been detected in six European countries as well as the United States, Canada, China, India, Oman, Pakistan, and Thailand.
Here's where the new mpox strain has been found so far in Europe.
Ireland
Irish health authorities said the risk remains low for the public following the detection of clade Ib mpox in a person who had recently returned from the DRC. The patient was hospitalised in Dublin.
United Kingdom
Most of the UK's nine reported cases have been travel-related. The most recent infection, reported in February, was a person who had travelled to Uganda.
The first cases were in October 2024, when a person got sick after returning from African countries where the strain is circulating and then spread mpox to three members of their household.
In September, the UK government bought more than 150,000 doses of mpox vaccine to prepare for potential clade Ib risks, and recently opened vaccination sites across England.
France
In January, someone in the French region of Brittany got mpox after close contact with two people who had travelled from Central Africa. French health authorities said that additional cases linked to countries with mpox outbreaks may emerge on occasion.
Germany
Germany has reported seven mpox clade Ib cases, most recently in January. Its first case was in October, with five more infections in December, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said.
The December cases involved someone who had travelled to an area affected by the outbreak and then infected family members, including children who had not been overseas recently, the ECDC said. There was no additional spread outside of the household.
Belgium
Belgium identified two cases in December, in a person who had recently travelled abroad and a child, according to the ECDC. The agency said it had not identified any high-risk contacts.
Sweden
In August 2024, Sweden became the first country outside of Africa to report a case of the new mpox strain.
A patient sought medical care in Stockholm after being infected in a part of Africa where clade Ib mpox is spreading, Swedish health authorities said. It remains the country's only case.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Euronews
18 minutes ago
- Euronews
Where have West Nile, chikungunya, and dengue been found in Europe?
Mosquito season is in full swing in Europe, and with it, mosquito-borne virus season. Nearly 470 cases of West Nile virus, chikungunya, and dengue have been reported so far this year, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), which tracks cases in the European Union and a few other countries in the region. These viral diseases, which usually occur when an infected mosquito bites someone, are becoming more common in Europe due to increased travel and warmer summer temperatures driven by climate change. Here's what you need to know about these illnesses and where cases have been detected so far this summer, as of mid-August. West Nile virus Eight European countries have reported West Nile virus infections this year: Italy (274), Greece (35), Serbia (nine), Romania (six), France (four), Hungary (two), Spain (one) and Bulgaria (one). Those counts include both probable and confirmed cases in people. Most cases so far this year have been among men aged 65 and older, and most people have been hospitalised. At least 10 people in Italy have died from West Nile virus in 2025. About 1 in 150 people who are infected with the virus will develop severe illness, such as encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain, or meningitis, which is inflammation of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord. These complications can be fatal, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Chikungunya France has reported 111 chikungunya cases this summer, amid an uptick in cases in recent weeks. There have been 22 clusters of chikungunya infections this summer, and 16 are still active. Italy, meanwhile, has recorded seven cases of chikungunya. Chikungunya is not endemic in the EU mainland, but warmer weather during the summer months make it easier for mosquitoes to spread the virus. Most cases are typically reported in July or August, the ECDC said. There are two chikungunya vaccines approved in the EU, but there are no specific treatments. Chikungunya can cause fever, nausea, headache, fatigue, rash, muscle aches, joint swelling, and joint pain, which can be debilitating and long-lasting. Severe symptoms and death are rare consequences, though babies and older adults are at higher risk. Dengue France has seen 11 dengue cases this year, while Italy has seen four and Portugal has reported two cases. EU health authorities believe the Portuguese infections, which were reported in Madeira in January, were likely contracted last year. The ECDC said one type of mosquito that spreads dengue has been 'established in a large part of Europe' and that another is fairly common around Madeira, Cyprus, and the Black Sea. Globally, there are 100 million to 400 million dengue infections per year, according to the WHO. Most people who are infected with dengue have no or mild symptoms, but the virus can cause fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and a rash. In extreme cases, dengue can be fatal. There is no specific medication to treat dengue, and the best way to avoid infection is to take steps to prevent mosquito bites.
Sustainability Times
10 hours ago
- Sustainability Times
"Ground Cracks Like Splintered Glass": NASA Sounds the Alarm as Massive Anomaly Rips Across Earth From Forces Buried Deep Beneath the Surface
IN A NUTSHELL 🌍 The South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) is a region of weakened magnetic field affecting space technology over South America and the South Atlantic Ocean. (SAA) is a region of weakened magnetic field affecting space technology over South America and the South Atlantic Ocean. 🛰️ Satellites passing through the SAA face risks from high-energy particles , leading to potential malfunctions and data loss. , leading to potential malfunctions and data loss. 🔄 The SAA is dynamically changing, with recent data showing it drifting northwest and splitting into two lobes . . 🔬 NASA uses satellite data and core simulations to model the magnetic field's evolution for mission planning and understanding Earth's interior. The South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) presents a significant challenge to scientists and engineers around the world. This vast region of weakened magnetic field over South America and the South Atlantic Ocean has captivated the attention of researchers, particularly those at NASA. As the anomaly poses increasing risks to space-bound technologies, understanding its origins and potential impacts becomes essential. With satellites and other spacecraft at risk of exposure to high-energy particles, the need for comprehensive models and simulations to grasp the SAA's evolution is more crucial than ever. This article explores the deep origins, technological threats, and ongoing research efforts surrounding this enigmatic geomagnetic phenomenon. Deep Origins and Complex Mechanisms The South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) is a fascinating geomagnetic feature that presents both scientific intrigue and potential risks. This region, characterized by a significantly reduced magnetic intensity compared to surrounding areas, acts as a breach in Earth's natural magnetic shield. This breach allows high-energy solar particles to approach the Earth's surface more closely than in other regions. Understanding the SAA requires delving into the core of our planet. The anomaly's origin is intricately linked to the geodynamo, a process occurring in Earth's outer core where the movement of molten iron and nickel generates the planet's magnetic field. However, this generation is not uniform across the globe. Two primary factors contribute to the SAA's formation. The tilt of Earth's magnetic axis relative to its rotational axis plays a significant role. Additionally, the African Large Low Shear Velocity Province, a massive dense structure located about 1,800 miles beneath the African continent, disrupts magnetic field generation in this region. NASA geophysicists have also linked the anomaly to a local polarity reversal within Earth's magnetic field, further weakening the overall dipole field intensity in the area. As Weijia Kuang from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center describes, the reversed polarity field creates a 'pothole' in Earth's magnetic armor, underscoring the complexity of this geomagnetic feature. 'They Built Ocean-Ready Boats 40,000 Years Ago': Archaeologists Find Ancient Philippine Tools Proving Early Humans Mastered Deep-Sea Voyages A Threat to Space Technology The magnetic vulnerability created by the South Atlantic Anomaly has direct implications for space technology. Satellites passing through the SAA are exposed to high levels of energetic protons, which can cause what engineers refer to as single event upsets (SEUs). These incidents can lead to temporary malfunctions, data corruption, or even permanent damage if a critical system is affected. To mitigate these risks, many satellite operators take preventive measures, such as shutting down non-essential systems when traversing the anomaly. Even the International Space Station (ISS), which crosses the SAA on each orbit, must contend with this challenge. While its shielding protects astronauts, external instruments are more vulnerable. Bryan Blair, deputy principal investigator for the GEDI instrument on the ISS, reports occasional 'glitches' and resets, resulting in data loss each month. Recent data from the ESA's Swarm constellation and NASA's SAMPEX mission confirm that the SAA is slowly drifting northwest, expanding in surface area, and beginning to split into two distinct lobes. This bifurcation increases the number of hazardous zones for spacecraft and complicates the task of scientists developing predictive models. Understanding the changing morphology of the SAA is crucial for the safety of current and future satellites, emphasizes Terry Sabaka of NASA. 'Watched cracked metal-like plastic mend itself': ATSP's Heat-Triggered Healing Could Replace Steel in Cars, Jets, and Spacecraft Anticipating the Invisible NASA combines satellite data with simulations of Earth's core dynamics to refine understanding and predictions of the SAA. These inputs feed global models like the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF), which tracks the evolution of Earth's magnetic field. Such models are essential for planning space missions and gaining insight into our planet's internal structure. This approach resembles weather forecasting but on a much longer timescale, allowing scientists to estimate the secular variation—slow yet persistent changes in the magnetic field over years and decades. While the current evolution of the SAA is unprecedented in the space era, geological records suggest that similar anomalies may have existed millions of years ago. Despite speculations, scientists assert that the SAA is not an early indicator of a magnetic pole reversal, a phenomenon occurring over hundreds of thousands of years. Nonetheless, studying the SAA remains a vital research area, crucial for protecting orbiting technologies and deepening our understanding of the profound forces driving our planet. 'Watched wrinkles vanish after one transfusion': Shocking New Study Backs Vampire Theory on Young Blood Reversing Aging Skin Future Implications and Challenges As the South Atlantic Anomaly continues to evolve, it poses intriguing questions about the future of Earth's magnetic dynamics. The anomaly's potential to disrupt satellite operations and influence our understanding of the magnetic field requires ongoing vigilance from the scientific community. The challenge lies not only in understanding the anomaly's current behavior but also in predicting its future evolution and mitigating its impacts on technology and research. Efforts to model the SAA's behavior and anticipate its future changes are essential for safeguarding existing satellite infrastructure and planning future missions. The anomaly serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of Earth's magnetic field and the complexities involved in understanding it. As researchers continue to study the SAA, they strive to unravel its mysteries and safeguard the future of space exploration and technology. The South Atlantic Anomaly presents both challenges and opportunities for scientific inquiry and technological advancement. As researchers work to understand its intricacies, the anomaly raises important questions about the dynamic nature of Earth's magnetic field. How will the ongoing evolution of the SAA impact satellite technology and our understanding of Earth's inner workings in the years to come? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (29)
Euronews
a day ago
- Euronews
Rich countries pay more for medicines, but cost burden is far lower
Wealthy countries may pay steep prices for medicines, but once their purchasing power is factored in, they actually benefit from some of the lowest costs in the world, a new study has found. The analysis of 549 essential medicines across 72 markets worldwide reveals major disparities in affordability between wealthier and poorer countries – even though rich countries often pay higher list prices. While poorer nations often have lower list prices, people in those countries tend to shoulder a far greater financial burden, according to the study, which was published in the journal JAMA Health Forum. In parts of Africa and Southeast Asia, critical medicines can cost the lowest-income earners several weeks' worth of wages if they have to pay out of pocket. The 549 drugs included in the study were sourced from the World Health Organization's (WHO) essential medicines list, which tallies the most important medicines for health systems to function. They include everything from over-the-counter painkillers to antibiotics, anaesthetics, and mental health drugs. No country stocked every drug, with availability ranging from 438 medicines in Germany to 225 in Kuwait. Across the 33 European countries included in the study, the average was 367 medicines. The study found that treatments for mental and behavioural disorders and cardiovascular disease tended to be the most expensive, while drugs for hepatitis B and C were generally the cheapest. European countries spent the most on essential medicines – $2 billion (€1.74 billion) overall and $192 (€167) per capita. At the other end of the spectrum, the Americas spent $1 billion (€868 million) overall and Southeast Asia spent $7 (€6) per capita in 2022. However, a medicine's list price – the sticker price set by a drugmaker before any discounts, subsidies, or insurance are taken into account – can be misleading. Cost of living and the government's role in setting drug prices vary around the world. To better reflect affordability, researchers used Germany as a benchmark and adjusted prices for local purchasing power. They found that medicine prices in Lebanon were roughly one-fifth of German prices, while in Argentina, prices were nearly six times as high as in Germany. In Pakistan, for example, drug prices may be lower on paper, but once purchasing power is factored in, they're about the same as in Germany. And in the United States, prices reached three times the German level. Meanwhile in India, minimum-wage earners would need about 10 days of work to afford a monthlong dose of tenofovir disoproxil, which treats chronic hepatitis B and helps prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. For the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel, minimum-wage labourers in lower-income countries would need to work for nearly six weeks to pay for a monthlong course of the treatment. 'Some poorer countries face a higher burden of medication costs, even if the price for the same medicine is lower compared to richer countries,' the researchers said.
