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A World Health Organization official insisted on Tuesday that ampox, whether new or old, is not a new Covid, because authorities know how to control its spread.
“We can and must tackle ampox together,” Hans Kluge, the World Health Organization’s regional director for Europe, said at a media briefing.
“So will we choose to put in place systems to control and eliminate ampox globally? Or will we enter another cycle of panic and neglect? How we respond now and in the years to come will prove to be a crucial test for Europe and the world,” he said.
Ampox is a viral infection that causes pus-filled sores and flu-like symptoms. It is usually mild, but can be life-threatening.
The Clade 1B variety of ampox has sparked global concern because it spreads more easily through regular close contact. A case of this variant was confirmed in Sweden last week and it has been linked to growing outbreaks in Africa.
Kluge said focusing on the new clade 1 strain gives Europe a chance to refocus on the less severe clade 2 variety, including through better public health advice and surveillance.
Kluge said around 100 new cases of the clade 2 ampox strain are now being reported each month in the European region.