Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is not a new Covid-19 threat, according to Dr. Hans Kluge, the World Health Organization’s regional director for Europe. Addressing recent concerns over a new variant of the virus, Dr. Kluge emphasized that, despite the emergence of Clade Ib, authorities are well-equipped to manage and contain the disease.

Dr. Kluge highlighted that while there is genuine concern about the new Clade Ib variant, which has been confirmed in Sweden and linked to an ongoing outbreak in Africa, robust and timely interventions can prevent further panic and prevent the virus from spiraling out of control. The Democratic Republic of Congo has reported over 450 deaths associated with Clade Ib in recent months, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Despite these troubling developments, Dr. Kluge reassured the public that no cases of Clade Ib have been detected in the UK, and stressed that the risk of widespread transmission can be mitigated through coordinated international action. Clade II, a different variant responsible for the 2022 outbreak, continues to circulate globally, but authorities have established effective strategies for managing mpox irrespective of the variant.

Dr. Kluge noted that effective public health measures, including equitable vaccine distribution and targeted interventions, are crucial in controlling mpox. The virus, which can cause fever and rashes and spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with lesions, is manageable with the right approach. He argued that the lessons learned from the 2022 outbreak, which was successfully controlled through engagement with affected communities, should guide current efforts.

The WHO expert emphasized that the situation with mpox is not comparable to the Covid-19 pandemic. “Are we going to go in lockdown in the WHO European region, it’s another Covid-19? The answer is clearly: ‘no’,” Dr. Kluge asserted. He reflected on how effective collaboration and targeted action in 2022 helped contain mpox in Europe, and urged global solidarity to avoid a repeat of panic and neglect.

Dr. Kluge also revealed that approximately 100 new cases of Clade II are reported monthly in Europe, reinforcing the need for continued vigilance and preventive measures. He advised travelers to affected regions in Africa to consider vaccination as a precaution.

Regarding public health recommendations, WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic stated that the organization is not advocating for widespread mask use or mass vaccination campaigns. Instead, vaccines should be targeted at outbreak settings and high-risk groups to manage the spread effectively.