Belgium becomes 8th non-African country to confirm clade 1b mpox case
December 23, 2024
Belgium has reported its first clade 1b mpox case, becoming the eighth non-African nation to confirm this strain, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The case involves a traveler returning from Africa, who self-isolated before diagnosis, mitigating public risk. While the patient had contact with someone exhibiting mpox symptoms, no high-risk contacts were identified in Belgium. This development highlights the global reach of clade 1b mpox, with cases also documented in the U.S., UK, and other nations. Meanwhile, Africa continues to grapple with nearly 70,000 cases across 20 countries, reflecting diverse transmission patterns.
Belgium has confirmed its first case of clade 1b mpox, marking it as the eighth country outside Africa to report this strain, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The case, identified on December 18, involves an adult traveler who recently returned from an African country where clade 1b is prevalent. The patient, who had sexual contact with an individual showing mpox-like symptoms, self-isolated before receiving a diagnosis. No high-risk contacts in Belgium were identified, and authorities assess the risk to the general public as low.
This case underscores the global spread of clade 1b, with similar infections reported in countries such as the U.S., UK, Germany, and India. These incidents reflect increasing mobility-related transmission, highlighting the interconnected nature of modern infectious disease dynamics.
The mpox situation in Africa remains concerning, with outbreaks nearing 70,000 cases across 20 countries since January 2024. Variability in transmission patterns complicates response strategies, with hotspots like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) facing significant challenges. The DRC’s outbreaks involve multiple clades and demonstrate regional nuances, further emphasizing the complexity of containment efforts.
Belgium’s proactive response, including rapid identification and isolation, showcases the importance of vigilant surveillance and robust public health systems in mitigating the spread of mpox. As international cases of clade 1b grow, collaborative strategies between affected nations and global health organizations will be critical. Strengthening cross-border data sharing, bolstering testing capacities, and targeting high-risk groups through vaccination campaigns are essential to addressing this global public health challenge.