WHO explains the difference in transmission between mpox and Covid-19

Maria Van Kerkhove and Otim Patrick Ramadan, team lead for the acute events management team in the WHO African Region, made assessments regarding the mpox virus in a program broadcast on WHO's social media accounts.

Emphasizing that the mpox virus is not the same as Covid-19, Kerkhove said, "The mpox virus does not spread (through the air) like Covid-19. That is why we see that the same situation as with Covid-19 is not occurring. You can catch the mpox virus if you are in contact with an infected person, but this does not mean that everyone will catch the virus."

Kerkhove stated that the spread of the mpox virus can be prevented with accurate information and practices.

Noting that the mpox virus has been seen before, Kerkhove reminded that the WHO declared the mpox virus a public health emergency of international concern to support the countries where the virus is spreading and to demonstrate a joint global effort.

"30 PERCENT OF CASES IN BURUNDI ARE CHILDREN"

Ramadan, stating that the mpox virus can affect everyone, said, "Currently, there are active mpox virus cases in 13 countries in Africa. We see that a wide variety of groups are affected in these countries. We see cases affecting children, but we also see that adults are affected."

Reporting that 30 percent of the cases in Burundi, which neighbors the Democratic Republic of the Congo where the outbreak is widespread, are under the age of 18, Ramadan said this is concerning.

Ramadan stated that vaccination against mpox is an important "additional public health tool" and that the amount of vaccines needed in Africa is not currently available.

Reminding that the WHO currently recommends the use of MVA-BN and LC16 vaccines against mpox, Ramadan pointed to the importance of "targeted vaccination" for those at risk and individuals with a high risk of transmission.