 "Mpox is not the new Covid, WHO official says they know how to control its spread – Firstpost")
Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, clarified on Tuesday that MPOX is not a new COVID-like crisis and called for global cooperation to contain and control its spread. Despite concerns about the more contagious clade 1b variant, he stressed that effective measures and surveillance can prevent a repeat of previous pandemics.
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A World Health Organization official stressed on Tuesday that Mpox, whether the new or old variant, is not the new COVID because authorities know how to control its spread.
“We can and must fight Mpox together,” said Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, at a press conference.
“So will we choose to put in place the systems to control and eradicate MPOX worldwide? Or will we fall into another cycle of panic and neglect? Our response now and in the years to come will prove to be a critical test for Europe and the world,” he added.
Mpox is a viral infection that causes purulent lesions and flu-like symptoms. It is usually mild but can be fatal.
The clade 1b variant of Mpox has raised concerns worldwide because it appears to spread more easily through routine close contact. A case of this variant was confirmed in Sweden last week and has been linked to a growing outbreak in Africa.
Kluge said the focus on the new Clade 1 strain gives Europe a chance to refocus on the less severe Clade 2 strain.
Diversity, including better public health advice and monitoring.
Meanwhile, around 100 new cases of the mpox clade 2 strain are being reported every month in the European region, Kluge added.
