WHO official says monkeypox is not the new COVID

However, "we can and must tackle mpox together," Hans Kluge, WHO's regional director for Europe, said at a UN press briefing.

Color scanning electron micrograph of mpox virus (red) on the surface of infected VERO E6 cells (green) at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Maryland, US. Photo: REUTERS

Monkeypox causes pus-filled sores and flu-like symptoms. The clade 1b strain has caused global concern because it appears to spread more easily through casual close contact.

Last week, a case of the new strain was confirmed in Sweden and linked to a growing outbreak in Africa, marking the first time it has spread outside the continent. The WHO has declared the recent outbreak of the disease an international health emergency after discovering the new variant.

Focusing on the new clade 1 strain would also help combat the less severe clade 2 strain, which has been spreading globally since 2022, helping Europe improve its response through better health advice and surveillance, Mr Kluge said.

Currently, about 100 new cases of clade 2 are reported each month in the European region, according to Mr. Kluge.

Mpox is spread through close contact, including sexual contact, but unlike previous global pandemics like COVID-19, there is no evidence that it spreads easily through the air.

Health authorities need to be vigilant and flexible in case new strains emerge that are more transmissible or change in transmission patterns, but there is currently no recommendation that people wear masks, WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said.

Cao Phong (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/quan-chuc-who-dau-mua-khi-khong-phai-la-covid-moi-post308613.html