– Classification provides access to implement infection control measures with a view to preventing further spread, Social Minister Lena Hallgren said in a press release.

The government’s decision comes after a request from the Public Health Authority (FHM) on Thursday, when Sweden registered its first case of the viral disease.

The fact that monkeypox is classified as a generally dangerous disease meant that the Swedish Infection Control Act came into effect.

Read also: FHI shocked after outbreak of rare viral disease

Follow the situation carefully

The National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) is following the situation closely and informing the Ministry of Health and Care Services on an ongoing basis.

– We assessed what action was needed based on the advice we received from the NIPH who has professional competence, wrote Secretary of State Ellen Moen Rønning-Arnesen in an email to Nettavisen.

New case

On Friday, several new cases of monkey droppings were found in Europe, including eleven new cases in the UK.

– Most of the cases are mild, and I can confirm that we have obtained several doses of the vaccine which is effective against monkeypox, said Health Minister Saijid Javid in the UK according to Sky News.

On Friday, he held a meeting with health ministers in other G7 countries where he briefed them on what they know about the situation so far.

France and Germany registered their first cases on Friday.

Read also: Monkey cup detected in Sweden

Symptom

Monkey cups are usually most common in parts of central Africa. The illness caused by this virus is usually not fatal, but often manifests through fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, fatigue, and a water-cup-like rash on the hands and face.

The virus is usually transmitted from animals to humans, but can also be highly contagious through close human contact. The infection can be transmitted sexually, and according to FHM, sexual contact poses a risk.