A World Health Organization official has clarified that mpox, regardless of its classification as a new or old strain, is distinctly different from COVID-19, as health authorities have established methods to curb its transmission.
“We can and must tackle mpox together,” emphasized the WHO regional director for Europe during a recent press briefing.
“Will we implement strategies to regulate and eliminate mpox globally, or will we succumb to a cycle of panic and neglect? Our response now and in the coming years is vital for Europe and the world,” he stated.
Mpox is a viral infection characterized by pus-filled lesions and flu-like symptoms. While it is typically mild, it has the potential to be fatal.
The emergence of the clade 1b strain of mpox has raised global concerns due to its faster transmission through close contact. A case of this variant was recently reported in Sweden, linked to an ongoing outbreak in Africa.
The director noted that focusing on the new clade 1 strain allows Europe to improve its efforts against the less severe clade 2 strain by enhancing public health guidelines and surveillance.
Currently, around 100 new cases of the clade 2 mpox virus are being registered in Europe each month.
