ReutersA leading expert from the World Health Organization says MPOX “is not coronavirus” because authorities know exactly how to control its spread.
While there are real concerns about new variants of the virus and global alerts, regional director for Europe Dr. Hans Kluge told reporters that we can and must fight MPOX together.
Strong action now — including ensuring vaccines get to areas where they are most needed — could stop a new cycle of panic and neglect.
A case of the new variant Clade Ib, It was confirmed in Sweden last week and has been linked to growing outbreaks in Africa.
Mpox has killed at least 450 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) in recent months and is linked to clade Ib.
Experts say there is still much to learn about the new variant, but it may spread more easily and cause more severe disease.
No cases of branch Ib have been detected in the UK, but experts warn it could spread unless international action is taken.
Another variant, Clade II, was behind the 2022 outbreak, which initially affected Europe and continues to spread in many parts of the world.
But Dr. Krueger said experts know how to control MPOX, regardless of variant, through non-discriminatory public health actions and equitable access to vaccines.
The virus causes fever and rash and can be spread through skin-to-skin contact with affected areas, including during sex.
spread rapidly
Dr. Krueger said the risk to the general population was low.
“This is Covid-19 again, are we going to impose a lockdown in the WHO European region? The answer is obviously: ‘no’,” he said.
Dr Krueger said: “Two years ago we controlled MPOX in Europe through direct contact with the most affected communities of men who have sex with men.”
“In 2022, mpox showed us that it can spread rapidly around the world.
“We can and must work together across regions and continents to tackle MPOX.
“Will we choose to establish a system to control and eliminate MPOX on a global scale, or will we enter another cycle of panic and then neglect?”
Dr. Kluge added that the European region is now reporting around 100 new Clade II cases every month.
Travelers to affected areas in Africa be informed Consider getting vaccinated.
WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said the WHO does not recommend the use of masks.
“We do not recommend mass vaccination. We recommend using the vaccine for high-risk groups in the event of an outbreak,” he added.
