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A doctor verifies the evolution of skin lesions on the ear of a patient suffering from mpox at a treatment centre in Munigi, following Mpox cases in Nyiragongo territory near Goma, North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. (Image: Reuters)
Mpox, a viral infection that causes pus-filled lesions and flu-like symptoms, is usually mild but can kill
WHO Regional Director Hans Kluge on Tuesday stressed that mpox, whether the new or old strain, is not the new COVID and that global efforts are crucial to controlling its spread.
During a media briefing, Kluge urged for decisive action to manage and eliminate mpox, warning that how the world responds will be a critical test for future public health efforts.
‘Must tackle mpox’
“We can and must tackle mpox together,” the WHO regional director for Europe said. “So will we choose to put the systems in place to control and eliminate mpox globally? Or we will 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 Global Concern
Mpox, a viral infection that causes pus-filled lesions and flu-like symptoms, is usually mild but can kill. The clade 1b variety of mpox has triggered global concern because it seems to spread more easily though routine close contact. A case of the variant was confirmed last week in Sweden and linked to a growing outbreak in Africa.
WHO Director-General @DrTedros has issued temporary recommendations to countries experiencing an upsurge of #mpox.They cover:Emergency coordinationCollaborative surveillance and laboratory diagnosticsSafe and scalable clinical careRisk communication… pic.twitter.com/fTPGExEFGo
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) August 19, 2024
Kluge said that the focus on the new clade 1 strain gives Europe a chance to refocus on the less severe clade 2 variety, including better public health advice and surveillance. About 100 new cases of the clade 2 mpox strain are now being reported in the European region every month, added Kluge.
(With agency inputs)
Read More: Mpox Is Not the New COVID, Global Spread Can Be Controlled: WHO – News18
