20-8-2024 (BERLIN) In a media briefing on Tuesday, Dr Hans Kluge, the World Health Organization’s regional director for Europe, emphasised that mpox, regardless of its strain, should not be equated with COVID-19 in terms of public concern. He reassured the public that health authorities possess the knowledge and tools necessary to manage the spread of the virus effectively.
Dr Kluge’s statements come in the wake of growing attention surrounding the clade 1b variant of mpox, which has raised alarm due to its apparent ease of transmission through routine close contact. The recent confirmation of a case in Sweden, linked to an expanding outbreak in Africa, has further intensified these concerns.
“We can and must tackle mpox together,” Dr Kluge asserted, highlighting the importance of a coordinated global response. He posed a critical question to the international community: “Will we choose to put the systems in place to control and eliminate mpox globally? Or will we enter another cycle of panic and neglect?”
The WHO official stressed that the current focus on the new clade 1 strain presents an opportunity for Europe to redirect attention to the less severe clade 2 variety. This shift in focus could lead to improved public health advice and enhanced surveillance measures.
Dr Kluge revealed that approximately 100 new cases of the clade 2 mpox strain are being reported monthly in the European region. This ongoing presence of the virus underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is characterised by pus-filled lesions and flu-like symptoms. While typically mild, it can be fatal in some cases. The viral infection has been a subject of increased global attention since its resurgence in non-endemic countries in 2022.
The WHO’s message is clear: while mpox requires serious attention, it is manageable with current medical knowledge and public health strategies. Dr Kluge’s call for global cooperation echoes the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasising the importance of early, coordinated action in controlling infectious diseases.
