First Case of M-Fox Variant Infection Reported in France: "Contact with Returnee from Africa"

A variant of Mpox (MPOX) infection spreading in Africa has been reported for the first time in France.

M-Fox virus testing equipment. Reuters Yonhap News

On the 7th (local time), the French Ministry of Health announced in a statement that a resident of the Brittany region was confirmed to be infected with the new Mpox variant sublineage 1b (Clade 1b).

The Ministry of Health explained, "This infected person has not traveled directly to Central Africa but had contact with two individuals who returned from there," adding, "We are currently identifying the source of infection and have taken necessary measures to prevent further spread."

Mpox is an acute febrile rash illness caused by viral infection.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in August last year after a new variant of Mpox, characterized by high fatality rates and rapid transmission, began spreading mainly in Africa early last year.