France has confirmed its first case of the new Mpox variant, according to the health ministry. The patient did not travel to Central Africa, the origin of this strain. However, she had contact with two individuals who recently returned from the region.
In response, authorities are investigating the source of the infection. Furthermore, they are tracing all potential contacts to prevent further spread of the virus.
Patient Diagnosed in Brittany
The patient, a woman, was diagnosed at a hospital in Rennes, located in the northwestern region of Brittany. This was reported by the French regional newspaper Ouest France.
Mpox Variant Declared Global Health Emergency
This new strain, known as the clade 1b variant, is associated with a global health emergency declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in August.
In addition, Germany reported its first case of this variant in October. Likewise, Britain has also confirmed infections related to the same strain.