A World Health Organization (WHO) official emphasized on Tuesday that mpox is not the new COVID-19, assuring that authorities have effective measures in place to control its spread.
\"We can and must tackle mpox together,\" said Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, during a UN media briefing. \"So will we choose to put the systems in place to control and eliminate mpox globally? Or we will enter another cycle of panic and neglect? How we respond now and in the years to come will prove a critical test for Europe and the world,\" he added.
Mpox, a viral infection characterized by pus-filled lesions and flu-like symptoms, is typically mild but can be fatal. The clade 1b variant has raised global concern due to its increased ease of spreading through routine close contact.
Last week, a case of this variant was confirmed in Sweden, linked to a growing outbreak in Africa, marking the first indication of its spread beyond the continent. Following the identification of the new variant, the WHO declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
Kluge stated that the focus on controlling the new clade 1 strain will also aid in combating the less severe clade 2 variant, which has been spreading globally since 2022. This approach will enable Europe to enhance its response through improved health advice and surveillance.
Currently, approximately 100 new cases of the clade 2 mpox strain are reported each month in the European region, according to Kluge.
Mpox spreads through close physical contact, including sexual contact, but unlike previous pandemics like COVID-19, there is no evidence it transmits easily through the air.
Health authorities are advised to remain alert and adaptable in case new, more transmissible clades emerge or transmission routes change. However, there are no recommendations for mask-wearing at this time, stated WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic.
Read more: Mpox outbreak declared a \"continental emergency\" in DRC, killing 570
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
