WHO: Mpox Not New COVID-19

The spread of COVID-19 at the beginning of the 2020 pandemic/UNSPLASH/Martin Sanchez ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - Officials of the World Health Organization emphasize that monkey/mox smallpox is not the new COVID-19. The reason is that the authorities know how to control its spread.

"We can and we have to overcome the Mpox together," WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge told a news conference reported by Reuters on Tuesday, August 20.

So will we choose to implement a system that is able to control and eradicatempox globally? Or will we enter a cycle of panic and other neglect? The way we respond today and in the years to come will be an important test for Europe and the world, "said Kluge.

Mpox, a viral infection that causes lesions containing pus and flu-like symptoms, is usually mild but can be deadly.

The class 1b Mpox variation has sparked global concern as it spreads more easily through regular close contacts.

Cases of the variant were confirmed last week in Sweden and linked to the growing outbreak in Africa.

Kluge said focusing on the new variant/strain clade 1 gave Europe the opportunity to refocus on the less severe strain clade 2, including better public health advice and oversight.

Sekitar 100 kasus baru strain clade 2 mpox kini dilaporkan di kawasan Eropa setiap bulannya.