MPox is not a new Covid and can be prevented: Experts
A leading World Health Organisation expert has said that ampox is “not the new Covid”, because authorities have a clear idea of how to control its spread.
Despite genuine concern and global alert about the new variant of the virus, Europe’s regional director Dr Hans Kluge told reporters that we can tackle Mpox together – and we must.
And strong action now – including ensuring vaccines reach areas most in need – can prevent another cycle of panic and neglect.
A case of new variant clade IB has come to light. It was confirmed in Sweden last week and has been linked to a growing outbreak in Africa.
Ampox associated with clade Ib has killed at least 450 people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) in recent months.
Experts say there’s still a lot to learn about the new variant, but it may spread more easily, causing more severe illness.
No cases of Clade Ib have been detected in the UK – but experts have warned it could spread if action is not taken internationally.
The 2022 outbreak was caused by a different variant, Clade II, which initially affected Europe and is still spreading in many parts of the world.
But Dr. Kluge says experts know how to control Mpox, regardless of the type — through non-discriminatory public health action and equitable access to vaccines.
The virus causes fever and a rash, and can be spread through skin-to-skin contact with the lesions, including sexual intercourse.
spread quickly
Dr. Kluge said the risk to the general population is low.
“Are we going to impose a lockdown in the European region, is this another Covid-19? The answer is clearly: ‘no’,” he said.
“Two years ago, we controlled ampox in Europe because we had direct contact with the most affected communities, men who have sex with men,” Dr. Kluge said.
“In 2022, Mpox showed us that it can spread quickly around the world.
“We can and must tackle Mpox together – across regions and continents.
“Will we choose to put in place systems to control and eliminate ampox globally, or will we enter another cycle of panic and then neglect?”
Dr. Kluge reported that around 100 new cases of Clade II are now being reported each month in the European region.
Travelers traveling to affected areas of Africa Advice given Considering vaccination.
WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said the WHO is not recommending the use of masks.
“We are not recommending mass vaccination. We are recommending the use of vaccines in outbreak sites for groups that are most at risk,” he said.