Information about mpox

The outbreak of Mpox clade 1 in the Democratic Republic of Congo has spread to several countries in Africa. Sweden has had one confirmed case of the disease. According to the Public Health Agency of Sweden, the risk of the disease spreading in Swedish society is low.
Updated

Mpox is a rare disease caused by a virus. It can cause blisters and fever, among other things. The symptoms usually go away on their own and it is rare to become seriously ill.

Mpox is covered by the Swedish Communicable Diseases Act

On 14 August 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) determined that the upsurge of mpox clade I in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). On August 15, 2024, the first case of mpox clade I was confirmed in Sweden.

Mpox is a disease that is subject to mandatory contact tracing and is dangerous to public health according to the Swedish Communicable Diseases Act. This means that if you suspect you are infected with the virus, you must seek medical care. It also means that there is a preparedness for infection control measures such as tracing, testing and rules of conduct. Sweden also has access to vaccines and antivirals.

How does mpox spread?

You need to be very close to a person with mpox for the virus to be transmitted to you. For example, it can be transmitted through kissing, sexual contact or other close skin-to-skin contact, such as during childbirth if the mother is infected. The virus is mainly found in the fluid in the blisters of the person who is sick. The virus can also be found in mucous membranes and body fluids, such as saliva or semen.

You can also get infected by using the same bedding or towels as someone who is infected, but this is rare.

Symptoms

The time from infection to the onset of symptoms is usually 6 to 13 days but can be shorter or longer, up to 21 days. Symptoms may differ depending on the way the infection has been transmitted.

Common symptoms of non-sexual transmission:

  • Blisters or a rash on the torso, arms, legs, hands and feet
  • Fever
  • Headache and muscle pain
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Common symptoms of sexual transmission:

  • Blisters or a rash on the face or in and around the mouth and throat
  • Blisters or a rash on and around the genitals and around the anal opening
  • Problems with bowel movements, such as diarrhea, and difficulty urinating
  • Pain around the anal opening and in the rectum
  • A feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen and pelvis

Recommendations for travellers due to the spread of mpox

The Public Health Agency of Sweden has specific recommendations for those traveling to or from areas where the spread of mpox is ongoing.

Travellers to Sweden

  • If you have been in an area with ongoing spread of mpox, pay attention to clear symptoms, such as painful blisters and sores. Watch for symptoms for three weeks after you return home. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop clear symptoms.

  • If you have been in close contact with a person with possible or known mpox infection, contact your helthcare provider for counselling, regardless of whether you have symptoms or not and regardless of your destination.

Travellers to areas where there is an outbreak

  1. Follow the advice of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before your trip.

  2. Find out if there is an ongoing spread of mpox in the area you are traveling to.

  3. Follow the local instructions in the country you are visiting on what to do if you develop clear symptoms of mpox, such as painful blisters and rashes. Keep in mind that if you have developed symptoms of mpox or another infectious disease while abroad, the rules of the country you are in may prevent you from returning home until you are no longer considered likely to infect others.

  4. If you are in an area where there is ongoing spread of mpox, avoid close contacts, such as close skin-to-skin contact.

  5. In particular, avoid new sexual contacts if you are in an area with ongoing transmission.

  6. Contact your health care provider if you develop clear symptoms of mpox, such as painful blisters and rashes, while traveling or staying in areas where mpox is spreading.

  7. Avoid traveling if you have clear symptoms of mpox such as painful blisters and rashes.

  8. Find out if you are covered by the Public Health Agency of Sweden's recommendations for vaccination against mpox.

Vaccination against mpox

Vaccines are available that provide good protection against mpox. You can get the vaccine if you have been exposed to the virus or if you are at risk of exposure. The vaccination is free of charge.

The recommendation to be vaccinated applies, for example, to aid workers and healthcare workers in areas where the spread of Mpox is ongoing. Those who intend to have physical contact with people in communities where Mpox is spreading are also recommended to be vaccinated. The best way to protect yourself is to refrain from physical contact, especially sexual contact, in the affected areas.

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