The WHO Declared Mpox a Global Health Emergency. Here's Where the Virus Is Spreading and What Vaccines and Treatments Exist
Scientific AmericanJUL 2024
First Case of New Mpox Strain Confirmed Outside Africa
Above: World Health Organization HQ main building, Geneva. Image copyright: Thorkild Tylleskar via Wikimedia Commons
The Spin
Narrative A
Considering the severity and extent of the mpox outbreak in Africa, it is no surprise that a Swedish national who recently traveled there has tested positive. This is likely indicative of dozens of undetected European cases. Global health experts must respond to this crisis to avoid an accelerated global spread of the mpox virus.
Narrative B
While this is a concerning development, the infected person has received care and was treated in accordance with the health agency's recommendations. There's no risk to the general public, and high-quality health care in Europe and elsewhere will greatly mitigate the spread in the developed world.
Metaculus Prediction
There is a 6% chance the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will confirm a case of Clade I mpox in a US resident before August 23, 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
