Switzerland reports first case of Mpox clade Ib
The Switzerland Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) reported Tuesday on the first case of Mpox clade Ib reported in the country.
The individual was a traveler returning from Africa at the beginning of April in Switzerland. The person concerned is in isolation.
There is no risk of infection to others, according to FOPH.
Officials advise:
If you think you might have contracted mpox, you should see a physician as soon as possible. Avoid close skin contact with people or animals until your medical appointment.
If you have been diagnosed with an mpox infection, you should follow the instructions of the attending physician and the responsible cantonal authorities.
If you have had close skin contact with a person infected with mpox, contact the responsible cantonal authorities.
The mpox virus is a member of the orthopoxvirus family. Two mpox clades have been identified to date:
Clade I (so far spread in Africa)
Clade II (known variant in Switzerland and Europe)
Several African countries have reported increases in their numbers of cases of Clade I mpox. In view of this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has now declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
The mpox virus is primarily transmitted among humans through direct contact of the skin or mucous membranes, or via contact with infected secretions from one or more blisters or lesions on the skin or the mucous membranes of a person already infected, and especially via sexual contact.
The mpox virus can also spread via scabs, respiratory secretions and/or bodily fluids; and pregnant women who are infected can transmit the virus to the fetus via the placenta. Whether the virus can also be transmitted via semen, vaginal secretions, urine or feces has not yet been established.