A first case of the more contagious variant of mpox has been confirmed in Sweden.
Now the government is opening for measures.
– The Public Health Agency is working on this and Ministry of Foreign Affairs is ready to make quick decisions if necessary, says Minister of Social Affairs Jakob Forssmed in Nyhetsmorgon.
On Thursday, the government and the Public Health Agency announced that Sweden, as the first country in the world outside of Africa, has had its first case of mpox. The World Health Organization WHO has classified the outbreak of mpox in Africa as an international health emergency.
Now Jakob Forssmed (KD), Minister of Social Affairs, is opening up that Sweden can introduce measures after the more contagious variant has been established.
– It is very different to covid, it is not a new disease. But with that said, they are currently sitting and analyzing what kind of recommendations Sweden should issue to travelers and to what extent we should have a travel advisory for certain countries where there are large and powerful outbreaks, he says in Nyhetsmorgon.
There may be measures in Sweden
It is not yet clear what types of measures and recommendations there may be. But Jakob Forssmed will return to that. At the same time, he is clear that there is a vaccine and good preparedness in Sweden for the disease.
– It is important that the measures are proportionate, that they are reasonable in relation to what is to be achieved so that we do not have other negative consequences for individuals and society that are not justified, he says.
But there can be talk of measures regardless of what they will be?
– It can be. The Public Health Agency is working on this. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is ready to make quick decisions if necessary.
China tightens border controls
The Minister of Social Affairs also believes that Swedes should not be afraid and worried. At the same time, China is tightening border controls to prevent the spread of the mpox virus. Among other things, boats, airplanes and travelers from countries where the infection has been confirmed must be checked extra.
Could something similar be introduced in Sweden? According to Jakob Forssmed, the Public Health Authority is currently sitting and discussing appropriate measures.
– They analyze the situation and see what has an effect in this situation so that measures are taken that prevent the spread of infection but are also proportionate in relation to what you want to achieve, he says.