A leading World Health Organization expert has clarified that Mpox is “not the new Covid” and can be controlled, emphasizing that authorities already know how to manage its spread. Despite concerns about a new variant and a global alert, Dr. Hans Kluge, the WHO’s regional director for Europe, urged that strong, immediate actions, including ensuring vaccine distribution to high-need areas, could prevent further panic and neglect.
Last week, a new variant, Clade Ib, was identified in Sweden and linked to an ongoing outbreak in Africa, where Mpox has claimed at least 450 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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While more research is needed on Clade Ib, which may spread more easily and cause more severe disease, no cases have been reported in the UK. Dr. Kluge stressed that controlling Mpox, regardless of the variant, requires comprehensive public health measures and fair access to vaccines.
The virus, which causes fever and rash, spreads through skin-to-skin contact with lesions, including during sexual activity.
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Dr. Hans Kluge stated that the risk of Mpox to the general population is low, emphasizing that it is not comparable to Covid-19 and that lockdowns are unnecessary.
He highlighted that Mpox was controlled in Europe two years ago through targeted engagement with affected communities, particularly men who have sex with men. Dr. Kluge stressed the need for a unified global effort to address Mpox and avoid repeating cycles of panic and neglect.
Currently, about 100 new Clade II cases are reported monthly in Europe. Travelers to affected areas in Africa are advised to consider vaccination, but the WHO is not recommending mass vaccination or the use of masks. Instead, vaccines should be used in outbreak settings for those most at risk.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention plans to distribute 10 million vaccine doses, with vaccination starting next week in the DRC and Nigeria. Bavarian Nordic will transfer vaccine production technology to African manufacturers to boost local supply and reduce costs.
Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, urged against imposing travel bans on Africa, calling for solidarity and appropriate medical support instead.
