GENEVA: The World Health Organization (WHO) sought to clarify misconceptions about mpox on Tuesday, with Hans Kluge, the WHO regional director for Europe, emphasizing that mpox should not be considered a new COVID crisis.
Kluge outlined the current state of mpox and the importance of effective management strategies. “We can and must tackle mpox together,” said Hans Kluge in a media briefing.
Kluge addressed concerns that mpox, a viral infection known for causing pus-filled lesions and flu-like symptoms, might escalate into a global health emergency similar to COVID-19. He reassured the public that authorities are well-equipped to control its spread and emphasized that the situation is manageable with the right public health measures.
“Mpox is not the new COVID,” Kluge stated. “We know how to control its spread, and it is crucial that we put the systems in place to tackle and eliminate mpox globally. The way we respond now will determine whether we face another cycle of panic and neglect or achieve effective control.”
Mpox, while typically mild and rarely fatal, has garnered increased attention due to the emergence of the clade 1b variant. This strain has shown a propensity for easier transmission through routine close contact. A case of the clade 1b variant was recently confirmed in Sweden and linked to a broader outbreak in Africa, raising concerns across Europe and beyond.
Despite the heightened attention on the clade 1b strain, Kluge highlighted the importance of not losing sight of the less severe clade 2 strain, which is still prevalent. He noted that around 100 new cases of clade 2 mpox are reported in Europe each month.