Morocco has confirmed its first case of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in the city of Marrakech, the country's health ministry announced.

This marks the first detection since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the current outbreak a public health emergency of international concern last month.

The WHO's declaration was in response to the rapid spread of a new variant of the virus, originating in Central Africa. Moroccan health authorities have not yet confirmed which variant has affected the patient.

The infected man is reportedly receiving medical care and is in stable condition. Moroccan health officials are also conducting contact tracing to monitor those who have been in contact with him. As of Thursday afternoon, none of his contacts have shown symptoms, according to a statement released by the health ministry. (ILKHA)