Mpox is not “the new Covid,” according to a prominent World Health Organization expert who emphasized that authorities have a solid grasp on how to control its spread.
Dr. Hans Kluge, the WHO’s regional director for Europe, acknowledged concerns over a new variant of the virus and the global alert it has triggered.
However, he stressed the importance of collective action in addressing mpox, stating that it’s a challenge we can and must overcome.
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Dr. Kluge highlighted the necessity of taking robust measures now, particularly by ensuring that vaccines are distributed to the regions most in need. Such efforts could prevent a repeat of the cycle of panic followed by neglect that often accompanies outbreaks.
Last week, Sweden confirmed a case of the new variant, Clade Ib, which has been linked to a growing outbreak in Africa. In recent months, Clade Ib has been responsible for at least 450 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Although there is still much to learn about this new variant, experts are concerned that it may spread more easily and cause more severe illness.
No cases of Clade Ib have been reported in the UK so far, but experts caution that international action is crucial to prevent its spread. Another variant, Clade II, was responsible for the 2022 outbreak that initially impacted Europe and continues to circulate in various parts of the world.
Dr. Kluge reassured that experts have effective strategies to control mpox, regardless of the variant. These include implementing non-discriminatory public health measures and ensuring equitable access to vaccines. The virus, which causes fever and rash, can spread through skin-to-skin contact, including during sexual activity.
Despite the potential for rapid transmission, Dr. Kluge noted that the risk to the general population remains low. He dismissed fears of another Covid-like lockdown, stating, “Are we going to go into lockdown in the WHO European region, it’s another Covid-19? The answer is clearly: ‘no.'” He pointed out that mpox was effectively controlled in Europe two years ago through direct engagement with the most affected communities, particularly men who have sex with men.
He further emphasized the need for a global approach to tackling mpox, warning against complacency: “We can, and must, tackle mpox together – across regions and continents. Will we choose to put the systems in place to control and eliminate mpox globally, or will we enter another cycle of panic, then neglect?”
Currently, around 100 new cases of Clade II are being reported each month in the European region. Travellers to affected areas in Africa are advised to consider vaccination.
WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic clarified that the WHO is not recommending the use of masks for mpox. Instead, the organization advises targeted vaccination in outbreak settings for groups at highest risk.
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