The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized on Tuesday that the mpox outbreak is not comparable to the COVID-19 pandemic, citing the existing knowledge about the virus and effective measures for its control.
WHO’s European director, Hans Kluge, explained that while more research is necessary, particularly on the Clade 1b strain—which led the UN agency to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)—the spread of mpox can still be contained.
In July 2022, the WHO declared a PHEIC in response to the global outbreak of the less severe Clade 2b strain of mpox, primarily affecting gay and bisexual men. This emergency status was lifted in May 2023.
“Mpox is not the new COVID-19. We know how to control mpox, and in the European region, we understand the steps needed to eliminate its transmission entirely,” Kluge stated during a media briefing in Geneva via video link.
Kluge highlighted the success in controlling mpox in Europe two years ago, attributing it to active engagement with the most affected communities, robust surveillance, thorough case investigation, and sound public health advice. He also pointed out that behavior changes, non-discriminatory public health actions, and vaccination contributed significantly to managing the outbreak.
He reassured that the risk to the general population remains low. “Are we going to go into lockdown in the WHO European region as if it’s another COVID-19? The answer is clearly: ‘no,'” Kluge said.
The primary route of transmission, according to Kluge, continues to be close skin-to-skin contact. However, he noted the possibility of the virus being transmitted through droplets in certain situations, such as in homes or hospitals, particularly if someone with active mpox infection has blisters in the mouth.
“The modes of transmission are still somewhat unclear, and more research is needed,” he added.
WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic clarified that the organization is not recommending the use of masks or mass vaccination. “We are recommending the use of vaccines in outbreak settings for groups who are most at risk,” he said.
The WHO declared an international health emergency on August 14 due to a rise in cases of the Clade 1b strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo and its spread to nearby countries.
