In a recent update, the World Health Organization (WHO) has made it clear that mpox is not the same as COVID-19, and there won’t be lockdowns or major restrictions like those we saw during the pandemic. This news comes just after the WHO declared a global emergency over mpox.

So, what’s mpox? Also known as monkeypox, it’s a viral infection that causes painful sores and flu-like symptoms. Most of the time, it’s not too serious, though it can be dangerous. Recently, a new and concerning version of the virus called Clade Ib has been spotted. This version seems to spread more easily, which has raised alarms.

During a live briefing, Han Kluge, the WHO’s regional director for Europe, said that there’s no need to panic. He assured that Europe won’t face lockdowns over mpox, unlike the strict measures taken for COVID-19. Kluge pointed out that Europe had already dealt with mpox successfully before, thanks to working closely with the communities most affected.

Mpox spreads through...