An expert has spoken out on the widespread panic of Mpox, also known as Monkeypox , after it has already hit Europe. The UK has been warned that the virus could spread in coming weeks. Leading World Health Organization expert Dr Hans Kluge has stated the virus "not the new Covid" despite WHO declaring a global health alert following its outbreak which originated in Africa.
Since the start of the year, there have been 1,500 cases and 450 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo alone. Dr Kluge states that Europle must "come together" in a video address to the media made on Tuesday. It has now been reported that a more concerning strain of the virus has been responsible for 450 of the deaths and is known as Clade 1, detected in Sweden.
There are two types of Clade 1 and the Swedish case has been identified as Clade 1b. People have been urged to stay alert for the warning signs of the rare infection, which can be transmitted through close sexual contact. However, Dr Kluge insists experts are well equipped and aware on how to tackle the virus, through the means of public health measures and vaccinations where necessary.
"The need for a co-ordinated response is the greatest in the African region," Dr Kluge explained. He adds that the risk to the general population continues to be low, despite previously reports suggesting the lethal strain is "10 times more deadly." Join the Daily Record's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Paul Hunte.