The World Health Organization (WHO) has clarified that mpox, despite its recent emergence and global alert, should not be considered “the new Covid.” This statement comes from Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO’s regional director for Europe, who stressed that unlike the initial Covid-19 pandemic, authorities now possess a clearer understanding of how to manage and control the spread of mpox.

The WHO’s reassurance follows the identification of a new variant of the mpox virus, designated Clade Ib, which was recently confirmed in Sweden. This variant has been linked to a growing outbreak in Africa, where it has contributed to a significant rise in cases. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been particularly hard-hit, with the variant linked to at least 450 deaths in recent months.

While the new Clade Ib variant has raised concerns due to its potentially increased transmissibility and severity of illness, experts emphasize that there are established strategies to control the virus. The outbreak, although serious, does not necessitate the same level of panic as the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, given the current state of knowledge and available public health measures.

The ongoing outbreak is characterized by Clade II, which caused significant transmission during the 2022 outbreak, primarily affecting Europe but now circulating globally. Although this variant remains a concern, current public health strategies are deemed effective in managing mpox across different strains.

Dr. Kluge highlighted the importance of equitable access to vaccines and robust public health responses as key to preventing further spread of mpox and avoiding unnecessary alarm. Ensuring vaccines reach the most affected regions is critical to controlling the outbreak and preventing further cycles of panic and neglect.

In summary, while the emergence of Clade Ib poses new challenges, the situation with mpox is under control compared to the initial uncertainty faced with Covid-19. Continued vigilance, international cooperation, and effective vaccination strategies are essential to managing mpox and protecting global health.