On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) made a significant announcement regarding global health related to the mpox virus, previously known as monkeypox. While this announcement may have raised concerns among many, the Statens Serum Institut (SSI), Denmark’s national serum institute, reassures Danish citizens that the risk of infection at home remains very low.
Tyra Grove Krause, the professional director at SSI, stated that the general Danish public should not be worried at this time. “We still assess that there is a very small risk for the general population here at home,” said Krause. This statement follows WHO’s declaration of a global health crisis due to mpox for the second time in one year.
The number of mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) has been increasing since the beginning of 2024, and the disease has now spread to neighboring countries. Since the start of the year, DR Congo has recorded 16,000 cases and 500 related deaths, primarily among children under 15 years old, according to data from SSI.
The mpox virus is typically spread through close contact and results in flu-like symptoms along with rash and blisters. The disease is often mild but can be fatal in rare cases. “The situation in Africa is concerning,” Krause noted, pointing out that the outbreak has intensified in the past month and is spreading to more African countries.
To ensure constant monitoring, Danish authorities are in close contact with international colleagues. The Danish Health Authority (Sundhedsstyrelsen) has previously established guidelines for physicians regarding the management of suspected mpox cases, and these are being continually assessed for potential adjustments in light of the new variant that is now spreading.
Although the situation in Africa raises concerns, Danish authorities remain calm and vigilant, closely monitoring developments to ensure the safety of the Danish population.