Mpox epidemic Status report

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared its highest level of alert for the new strain of Mpox (clade 1b) 14 August. For several months, it has been mainly spreading in Central Africa, but global cases are increasingly reported outside the African continent.

Although the epidemic and rate of contamination are in no way similar to Covid-19, the growing number of global cases is likely to result in enhanced health checks overall, especially at borders, but not necessarily including restrictions on international travel.

Meanwhile, Mpox epidemic disinformation campaigns are on the rise and some of them are warning of the imminent introduction of major restrictions, such as lockdowns. They are primarily aimed at discrediting and undermining the authorities and are largely based on the febrile nature of public opinion when faced with the spread of the disease, fearing a return to the restrictions associated with fighting Covid-19.