The Regional Director of the World Health Organization for Europe, Hans Kluge, said that the mpox virus (mpox, the former name of monkeypox) is not a new coronavirus, regardless of whether it is a new or an old strain, because it is known how to control their spread.
"We can and must deal with mobs together," he said at a press conference.
"Will we choose to establish systems for the control and elimination of mpox at the world level or will we enter another cycle of panic and neglect. How we react now and in the years to come will be a critical test for Europe and the world," he added.
Chickenpox, a viral infection that causes flu-like symptoms, is usually mild but can be fatal.
The "clade 1b" variant of those smallpox has caused international concern because it appears to spread more easily through close contact, Reuters writes.
A case of infection with that variant of the virus was confirmed last week in Sweden and is linked to the growing epidemic in Africa.
"Around a hundred new cases of the less serious 'clade 2' variant are reported every month in Europe," said Kluge.
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