WHO Experts State that MPOX Outbreak is not the New COVID-19
BY pedro graterol
The new MPOX outbreak is linked to a deadlier variant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; the World Health Organization urges public health measures, targeted vaccines, and global solidarity, and states that this outbreak is not the new COVID-19.
A new outbreak of MPOX, the disease formerly known as Monkeypox, is raising alarms globally, especially because of a new variant: clade Ib, which has caused the deaths of at least 450 people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in recent months, and is linked to an outbreak on the region. Yet, experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasize that this outbreak is not expected to become a pandemic like the COVID-19 outbreak. Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO’s Regional Director for Europe, has emphasized that effective public health measures and equitable access to vaccines can prevent another cycle of panic and negligence.
The new clade Ib appears to be more easily transmissible and cause more severe illness than the 2022 outbreak, which was caused by a variant called clade II, which spread through Europe before causing global alarm. However, the lessons learned from that experience are helping to provide a framework for global response.
African health authorities, with support from international partners, are ramping up vaccination efforts. The CDC in Africa has outlined a plan to secure 10 million doses of vaccines, with the DRC and Nigeria set to begin vaccination campaigns during early September. Additionally, vaccine manufacturer Bavarian Nordic has committed to transferring its technology to African producers, enabling local production to increase supply and reduce costs.
In a BBC article, Dr. Kluge and other WHO officials have stressed the importance of targeted vaccinations rather than mass immunization, advising that only those at higher risk, such as travelers to affected regions, consider vaccination. They also caution against imposing travel bans on African countries; a measure that could perpetuate the unjust treatment seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, global solidarity and proper medical support are essential in addressing this public health challenge. MPOX is primarily transmitted through close physical contact, including sexual contact, and can also spread via objects and surfaces contaminated by the virus. It can be prevented by cleaning and disinfecting surfaces or objects that might be contaminated. The disease is characterized by a rash, fever, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. While the illness typically resolves on its own within two to four weeks, severe cases may require hospitalization and antiviral treatment.
