The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized that the mpox outbreak is not comparable to the Covid-19 pandemic, as much is already understood about the virus and how to manage it.
Although further research is needed on the Clade 1b strain—which led the WHO to declare a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC)—the spread of mpox can be controlled, according to WHO’s European director, Hans Kluge.
In July 2022, the WHO declared a PHEIC in response to the global outbreak of the less severe Clade 2b strain of mpox, which primarily affected gay and bisexual men. This emergency status was lifted in May 2023.
"Mpox is not the new Covid. We know how to control mpox. And in the European region, we know the steps required to eliminate its transmission altogether," Kluge stated during a media briefing in Geneva, via video link.
"Two years ago, we managed to control mpox in Europe by directly engaging with the most affected communities. We implemented robust surveillance, thoroughly investigated new cases and contacts, and provided sound public health advice.
"Behavioral changes, non-discriminatory public health actions, and mpox vaccination were key to controlling the outbreak," Kluge emphasized.
Kluge assured that the risk to the general population remains low.
"Will we go into lockdown in the WHO European region as if this were another COVID-19? The answer is clearly: ‘no’," he said.
He noted that the primary mode of transmission continues to be close skin-to-skin contact. However, there is a possibility that someone in the acute phase of mpox infection, especially with mouth blisters, could transmit the virus to close contacts through droplets, particularly in household or hospital settings.
"The modes of transmission are still somewhat unclear. More research is needed," Kluge added.
WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic stated that the organization is not recommending the use of masks.
"We are not advocating for mass vaccination. Instead, we recommend the use of vaccines in outbreak settings for those groups most at risk," he said.
The WHO declared an international health emergency on August 14 due to the rise in cases of the Clade 1b strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo and its spread to neighboring countries.
0 Comments