Copenhagen, 16 August 2024 (dpa/MIA) — The European health authority ECDC expects more people to come to Europe with the new mpox variant, the authority said on Friday.

The statement came a day after the first case of the new variant outside the African continent was confirmed in Sweden. The person infected had previously been in Africa.

The likelihood of sustained transmission in Europe is very low, provided that imported cases are quickly diagnosed and control measures are implemented, according to the ECDC.

Specialists say the new variant is likely more contagious than previous variants and can cause more severe infection. However, mpox is generally not easily transmitted, with direct contact needed for transmission.

The authority recommends European countries issue travel advisories for people travelling to or returning from areas affected by the outbreak.

For people who have close contact with individuals who may or definitely have an imported mpox infection from Africa, the risk of infection is moderate, the ECDC said.

On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the highest alert level due to several mpox outbreaks in Africa and the new varient, which may be more dangerous.