WHO: “Mpox is not the new COVID”

A World Health Organisation official stated that mpox, whether a new or old strain, is not a new form of COVID because authorities understand how to stop its spread.

“We can and must tackle mpox together,” said Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, during a press briefing.

“So, will we choose to put procedures in place to regulate and eliminate mpox worldwide? Or will we repeat the cycle of panic and neglect? “How we respond now and in the coming years will be a critical test for Europe and the world,” he said.

Mpox is a viral infection that causes pus-filled lesions and flu-like symptoms. It is often mild but can kill.

The clade 1b strain of mpox has sparked global worry because it appears to spread more quickly by routine close contact. A case of the variation was detected in Sweden last week and related to an ongoing outbreak in Africa.

Kluge stated that the emphasis on the new clade 1 strain allows Europe to work on the less severe clade 2 strain, which includes improved public health guidance and surveillance.

Kluge said that approximately 100 new cases of the clade 2 mpox virus are now recorded in Europe each month.