BERLIN. A World Health Organization (WHO) official has reassured the public that mpox, despite recent concerns about its new strain, should not be equated with COVID-19. Authorities are well-equipped to manage and control its spread, according to Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.
“We can and must tackle mpox together,” Kluge asserted during a UN media briefing. “So 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? How we respond now and in the years to come will prove a critical test for Europe and the world,” he added.
Mpox, a viral infection characterized by pus-filled lesions and flu-like symptoms, is generally mild but can be fatal in some cases. The newly identified clade 1b variant has raised global alarm due to its increased transmissibility through close contact. This variant was recently confirmed in Sweden, marking the first spread outside Africa, where it was initially detected. The WHO declared this outbreak a public health emergency of international concern following the identification of the new strain.
Kluge emphasized that the focus on this new clade 1 strain will enhance efforts against the less severe clade 2 strain, which has been circulating globally since 2022. He noted that approximately 100 new cases of the clade 2 mpox strain are reported in Europe each month.
Mpox spreads through close physical contact, including sexual contact, but unlike COVID-19, there is no evidence to suggest it spreads easily through the air. WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic confirmed that there are no current recommendations for mask-wearing, though health authorities remain vigilant for potential changes in the virus’s transmission routes.
Health authorities are urged to stay alert and adaptable to prevent new, more transmissible strains from emerging and altering the transmission dynamics of mpox.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
