Kosovo’s health authorities verified its first case of mpox on Friday, identifying the patient as a 30-year-old male who had recently returned from a West African country.

According to Kosovo’s Institute of Public Health, the man was admitted to the hospital on December 24 after complaining of fever, chills, and skin changes on his face and hands. The patient’s status is stable, the institute said in a statement.

Authorities have located all those who came into contact with the patient and offered recommendations on infection prevention and control procedures.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency since August, when the virus moved from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighboring countries.

Mpox is normally a minor viral illness with symptoms including fever, headaches, and skin lesions. While serious cases are rare, health officials emphasize the significance of remaining vigilant to prevent further transmission.