ECDC Issues Updated Guidance on Mpox Risk in Europe Following New Case

On August 16, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) released a risk assessment and updated guidance regarding mpox in Europe, following the report of a case involving the MPXV clade Ib. The ECDC indicated that while more cases are anticipated in Europe, the overall risk of infection for the general population in the EU/EEA remains very low, contingent upon prompt diagnosis of imported cases and effective control measures. The ECDC emphasized that the likelihood of infection is significantly higher for close contacts of confirmed or suspected cases, particularly in the event of sporadic importations of the MPXV clade I. For Europeans traveling to or residing in regions of Africa most affected by mpox, the risk of infection increases substantially with close contact to affected communities, although it remains low if such contact is avoided. In its guidance, the ECDC underscored the importance of detecting cases and preventing secondary transmission, while refraining from issuing specific recommendations for the general public. The recent case involved a Swedish patient who contracted mpox Clade I during a visit to Africa, a strain associated with more severe health outcomes and increased mortality rates. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also declared mpox a global public health emergency, pledging to coordinate a global response to prevent transmission, treat those infected, and save lives in collaboration with affected countries.