Hey amigos! 📰 Here's some news you might wanna know: The World Health Organization (WHO) wants us all to chill—Mpox is NOT the new COVID-19! 😌
On Tuesday, Hans Kluge, the WHO Regional Director for Europe, made it clear at a UN media briefing. He said, \"We can and must tackle mpox together.\" 🤝
Kluge threw down a challenge: \"So will we choose to put the systems in place to control and eliminate mpox globally? Or will we enter another cycle of panic and neglect? How we respond now and in the years to come will prove a critical test for Europe and the world.\" 🌍
So, what's the deal with Mpox? 🤔 It's a viral infection that causes flu-like symptoms and some unpleasant lesions. 😷 While it's usually mild, it can be serious. The clade 1b variety is getting attention because it seems to spread more easily through close contact.
Last week, Sweden reported a case linked to an outbreak in Africa—the first sign of this variant spreading outside the continent. 🌐 The WHO even declared it a public health emergency of international concern after identifying the new variant. 🚨
Kluge believes that focusing on this new strain will help fight the less severe clade 2 variety that's been around since 2022. This means better health advice and keeping an eye on things. 👀
By the way, about 100 new cases of the clade 2 mpox strain are popping up in Europe every month, according to Kluge. 📈
Good news though—Mpox spreads through close physical contact, including sexual contact, but unlike COVID-19, there's no evidence it spreads through the air. 🌬️ So, no need to break out the masks! 😷❌
But stay alert! WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic reminds us that health authorities need to be ready in case new, more contagious strains show up or if they start spreading differently. 🧐
Stay safe and keep those hands clean! 🧼✋
Read more: Mpox outbreak declared a \"continental emergency\" in DRC, killing 570
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
