Mpox Not the New COVID, Says WHO The World Health Organization (WHO) has reassured the public that the current mpox (monkeypox) outbreak...
Mpox Not the New COVID, Says WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reassured the public that
the current mpox (monkeypox) outbreak is not comparable to the COVID-19
pandemic. Hans Kluge, the WHO's European regional director, emphasized
that authorities have the knowledge and means to control the spread of
mpox.
Mpox Transmission and Symptoms
Mpox is a viral infection that causes pus-filled lesions and
flu-like symptoms. While it is usually mild, the clade 1b variant has
raised global concern due to its apparent ease of transmission through
routine close contact.
The virus primarily spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact,
including sexual contact. However, unlike COVID-19, there is no evidence
that mpox spreads easily through the air.
Mpox Outbreak and Global Response
The WHO declared the recent mpox outbreak a public health
emergency of international concern after the identification of the new
clade 1 variant.
This came after the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
had already declared a public health emergency in Africa, where over 500
deaths have been attributed to the disease.
As of August 2024, mpox cases have been confirmed in at least 13
African countries, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reporting
the highest number of cases. The WHO and Africa CDC are working with affected countries to roll out vaccination campaigns and improve surveillance efforts.
Controlling the Mpox Outbreak
Kluge stated that the focus on the clade 1 strain will also aid in
combating the less severe clade 2 strain, which has been spreading
globally since 2022. Europe is currently reporting around 100 new cases
of the clade 2 strain each month.
The WHO has not recommended mass vaccination or the use of masks.
Instead, they advise using vaccines in outbreak settings for the groups
most at risk and maintaining robust surveillance, contact tracing, and
public health advice.
Kluge emphasized that the current response to the mpox outbreak
will be a critical test for both Europe and the world. He urged global
action to either control and eliminate mpox or risk entering another
cycle of "panic and neglect".
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