Mpox is not the new Covid-19; no need to rush for masks: Experts

They say virus does not spread through respiratory droplets

- Judith Tan

There is no need for panic buying, especially of masks, as mpox is not spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, said infectious disease experts.

This was after the World Health Organisation (WHO) regional director for Europe, Dr Hans Kluge, said at a media briefing on Aug 20 in Berlin that the mpox virus, regardless of whether it is the new or old strain, is not the new Covid-19, as the authorities know how to control its spread.

Professor Teo Yik Ying, vice-president for global health and dean of the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health at the National University of Singapore, told The Straits Times that mpox spreads predominantly through close contact.

"This means the way we protect ourselves must also take into account the way mpox spreads. For example, mpox can spread through direct contact with the skin lesions or bodily fluids of an infected person, so avoid close contact with individuals who have symptoms," he said.

Professor Paul Tambyah, president of the International Society for Infectious Diseases, said: "Unlike other recent public health emergencies, we have highly effective vaccines that can not only prevent infection, they also prevent transmission.