Wed, Jan 08, 2025 | Rajab 8, 1446 | DXB ktweather icon0°C

France identifies first case of new mpox variant, says report

The patient was in contact with two people who had returned from Central Africa, where the new form of the virus originated

Published: Tue 7 Jan 2025, 5:55 PM

  • By
  • Reuters

Top Stories

A vial of the mpox vaccine is seen during the launch of the vaccination campaign at the General Hospital of Goma, on October 5, 2024. — AFP File

A vial of the mpox vaccine is seen during the launch of the vaccination campaign at the General Hospital of Goma, on October 5, 2024. — AFP File

France has identified its first case of the new mpox variant, news agency AFP reported on Monday, citing a statement from the country's health ministry.

The patient had not travelled to Central Africa, where the new form of the virus originated but was in contact with two people who had returned from that region, AFP reported, citing the ministry.

Health authorities are investigating the source of the infection and are working to trace all potential contacts, according to AFP.

The patient is a woman and was diagnosed in the northwestern region of Brittany at a hospital in Rennes, French regional newspaper Ouest France reported.

The new form of the mpox, called clade 1b variant, is linked to a global health emergency declared by the World Health Organization in August.

Neighbouring Germany reported its first case in October, as did Britain.



Next Story