Sweden Mpox update
In a follow-up on the mpox, or monkeypox outbreak in Sweden, Folkhalsomyndigheten reports since April 2024, 23 cases of mpox have been reported, the majority in the Stockholm region.
All cases are adult men who fell ill during the period 7 April – 11 May. Two cases lack information on the country of infection, the others are infected in Sweden.
Health officials say it is important that anyone who has symptoms that could be mpox contact the healthcare system for assessment and possible testing and avoid infecting others until the test results are ready.
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A combination of infection control measures where vaccination is included as one of the measures gives the best results for protection against the continued spread of mpox. Unvaccinated people who have an increased risk of being infected with mpox are recommended vaccination with two doses at least four weeks apart. Vaccination before exposure offers significantly better protection than vaccines given soon after exposure. Infection can also be prevented by avoiding close physical contact with infected people, where sexual contact poses a particularly high risk of infection.
If it appears that you have had close physical contact, for example sexual contact, with a person who has mpox, the healthcare system can in some cases offer vaccination. Such vaccination must be given as soon as possible to reduce the risk of contracting mpox, preferably within four days of exposure.