BERLIN, Aug 20: Hans Kluge, the World Health Organization's regional director for Europe, emphasized on Tuesday that mpox, whether it is the new or old strain, should not be compared to COVID-19. He assured that authorities are well-equipped to manage its spread.

"We can and must tackle mpox together," Kluge said during a UN media briefing. "Will we put systems in place to control and eliminate mpox globally, or will we face another cycle of panic and neglect? Our response now and in the coming years will be a crucial test for Europe and the world."

Mpox, a viral infection characterized by pus-filled lesions and flu-like symptoms, is typically mild but can be fatal. The clade 1b variety has raised global concern due to its increased ease of transmission through routine close contact. A case of this variant was confirmed in Sweden last week, linking it to an ongoing outbreak in Africa and marking its first spread outside the continent. The WHO declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern following the identification of the new variant.

Kluge noted that addressing the new clade 1 strain would also enhance efforts against the less severe clade 2 strain, which has been spreading globally since 2022. This will allow Europe to improve its response through better health advice and surveillance. He mentioned that approximately 100 new cases of the clade 2 strain are reported in the European region each month.

Mpox is transmitted through close physical contact, including sexual contact, but unlike previous global pandemics such as COVID-19, there is no evidence that it spreads easily through the air. WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic stated that while health authorities should remain vigilant and adaptable to potential new, more transmissible clades or changes in transmission routes, there are currently no recommendations for mask-wearing.