Sweden confirms first case of contagious mpox strain outside Africa

State epidemiologist Magnus Gisslen speaks during a press conference in Stockholm to inform about the situation regarding mpox, in Sweden, Aug. 15, 2024. (TT News Agency/Fredrik Sandberg via Reuters)

Sweden on Thursday reported a case of a contagious form of mpox currently spreading around central and eastern Africa. The Swedish case marks the first known infection of that strain outside of Africa.