France has reported its first case of the Clade 1b variant of the mpox virus, the health ministry announced on Monday. The infection was detected in the Brittany region, and authorities have implemented oversight measures to prevent its spread.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is related to smallpox and is typically transmitted from animals to humans. However, it can spread through close physical contact between people. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and painful skin lesions, which can sometimes be fatal.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared an emergency over mpox in August and renewed it in November after outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The infected individual in France had no travel history to central Africa, where the Clade 1b variant has been circulating. However, they had contact with two people who recently returned from the region. Investigations are underway to trace the source and contacts.
The WHO has urged European nations to act swiftly to contain the new variant, which has been identified in 80 countries this year, including 19 in Africa.
