BERLIN – A World Health Organization (WHO) official emphasized on August 20 that mpox, whether it is the new or older strain, should not be viewed as the new COVID-19. Authorities already know how to manage its spread, the official said.
“We can and must tackle mpox together,” said Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO’s regional director for Europe, in a statement to reporters. He added, “So, will we choose to put the systems in place to control and eliminate mpox globally? Or will we 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.”
Mpox, a viral infection that causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions, is usually mild but can be fatal in some cases. The clade 1b variety has sparked global concern due to its higher transmissibility through routine close contact. Last week, a case of this variant was confirmed in Sweden and linked to a growing outbreak in Africa.
Dr. Kluge highlighted the importance of focusing on public health measures and surveillance for the less severe clade 2 strain, even as attention grows around the clade 1b variant. He noted that around 100 new cases of clade 2 mpox are being reported monthly in Europe.