What's happened
The World Health Organization (WHO) has clarified that mpox is not the new COVID-19, emphasizing that effective control measures are known. Recent outbreaks of the clade 1b variant have raised global alarm, with cases reported in Europe and Africa. Health authorities are urged to enhance surveillance and public health responses.
What's behind the headline?
Current Situation
- The WHO has confirmed that mpox is manageable, unlike COVID-19.
- Clade 1b variant poses a higher transmission risk, prompting urgent public health responses.
Implications for Public Health
- Countries must enhance surveillance and public health strategies to control mpox.
- The focus on clade 1b may divert attention from the ongoing clade 2 cases, which still require monitoring.
Future Outlook
- Continued vigilance is necessary to prevent further outbreaks.
- The global health community must collaborate to ensure effective vaccination and treatment strategies are in place.
What the papers say
According to The Independent, WHO's Hans Kluge stated, "We can and must tackle mpox together," emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to control the virus. Al Jazeera reported on a confirmed mpox case in Thailand, highlighting the ongoing risk of transmission from Africa. The South China Morning Post reiterated that mpox does not spread easily through the air, contrasting it with COVID-19, which has led to widespread panic. These sources collectively underscore the importance of informed public health responses to manage the current mpox situation effectively.
How we got here
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has seen a resurgence with the emergence of the clade 1b variant, which spreads more easily. The WHO declared a public health emergency in response to rising cases, particularly in Africa, where significant outbreaks have occurred.
Go deeper
- What are the symptoms of mpox?
- How is mpox transmitted?
- What measures are being taken to control the outbreak?
More on these topics
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The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. It was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China.
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Hans Henri P. Kluge is World Health Organization regional director for Europe since 1 February 2020.
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The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO Constitution, which establishes the agency's governing structure and principles, states its main objective as "the attainment