WHO: Mpox is Not the New COVID, but Global Vigilance is Key
With new variants emerging, the WHO stresses the importance of tackling this viral infection together
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized on Tuesday that mpox, a viral infection causing pus-filled lesions and flu-like symptoms, should not be compared to COVID-19, as it is a disease health authorities know how to control.
"We can and must tackle mpox together," said Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, during a U.N. media briefing. He highlighted that the global response will determine whether the virus can be controlled or if the world will face another cycle of "panic and neglect."
Mpox is generally mild but can be fatal. The clade 1b variety has raised global concerns due to its apparent ease of transmission through close contact. Last week, a case of clade 1b was confirmed in Sweden, linked to a growing outbreak in Africa—marking the virus's spread outside the continent. The WHO has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
Kluge noted that focusing on clade 1 will also bolster efforts against the less severe clade 2, which has been spreading globally since 2022. Europe is now reporting around 100 new cases of clade 2 mpox each month.
Mpox primarily transmits through close physical contact, including sexual contact. Unlike COVID-19, there is no evidence that it spreads easily through the air.
WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic added that while health authorities remain vigilant for new, more transmissible clades, there are no current recommendations for the public to wear masks.
