GENEVA — The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended a targeted vaccination approach rather than mass vaccination to combat the spread of the mpox virus, highlighting that controlling the spread of mpox is more manageable compared to COVID-19.

Margaret Harris, a WHO spokeswoman, emphasized in an interview with Anadolu that the virus, which has two genetic types—Clade 1 and Clade 2—has seen a concerning rise in cases, particularly with the new Clade 1b strain. This strain, which emerged last year, is noted for its rapid transmission and higher fatality rate, especially among children.

Harris pointed out that while mpox cases surged in 2024, spreading beyond the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya, the overall fatality rate stands at around 3%, with vulnerable groups such as small children facing even higher risks.

The WHO has recommended that those exposed to mpox receive the smallpox vaccine within four days of exposure, particularly health workers in high-risk areas. Harris stressed that although the virus is serious, it can be effectively controlled through proper identification, contact tracing, and isolation measures.

Addressing concerns about the potential for a global pandemic, Harris reassured that mpox spreads primarily through close physical contact rather than through the air, making it easier to control than COVID-19. She added that while there is no need for lockdowns, good surveillance and laboratory diagnostics are crucial in preventing a broader outbreak.

Harris also emphasized the importance of transparent reporting from countries like Pakistan and Sweden, which have recently detected mpox cases, in contributing to global efforts to combat the virus. — Agencies