A World Health Organization official said Tuesday that monkeypox, whether new or old, is not the new COVID, as authorities know how to control its spread.
“We can and must treat this disease together,” said Hans Kluge, WHO director for Europe, at a press conference.
“So will we decide to set up systems to control and eliminate monkeypox globally, or will we face another cycle of panic and neglect? How we respond now and in the years to come will be a test critical for Europe and the world”, he added.
Monkeypox is a viral infection that causes pus-filled blisters and has flu-like symptoms. The infection is usually mild but can be fatal.
Variants 'clade 1b’ has caused global concern because it appears to spread more easily.
A case of this variant was confirmed last week in Sweden and linked to a growing spread of the virus in Africa, the first case of its spread outside the continent. The WHO declared the latest outbreak of the disease a public health emergency of international concern after the new variant was identified.
Mr Kluge said the focus on the new 'clade 1' strain will also help fight the less severe 'clade 2' variant that has spread globally since 2022. This has enabled Europe to improve its response through better health advice and supervision.
About 100 new cases of 'clade 2' monkeypox are reported each month in the European region, Mr Kluge added.
The disease is transmitted through close physical contact, including sexual intercourse. However, unlike previous global pandemics such as COVID, there is no evidence that monkeypox is easily spread through the air.
Health authorities should be on alert in case there are new variants that are more easily transmitted from person to person or that change their route of transmission, but there are no recommendations for people to wear masks, the WHO spokesman said. of, Tarik Jasarevic.
