Unlike Covid-19, Mpox is a well-researched virus with over 50 years of study, and experts advise strict isolation protocols if cases arise, akin to other infectious diseases.
“Mpox is not a new virus like Covid-19. We have extensive research on Mpox spanning 50 years,” said Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Rai from the Department of Community Medicine at AIIMS New Delhi. He spoke on the sidelines of the “Kashmir Science Vision-2024” academic event held at SKAUST in collaboration with SKIMS.
Prof. Rai noted that the first human case of monkeypox, also known as Mpox, was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), involving a nine-month-old boy. “Based on 50 years of evidence, Mpox is unlikely to trigger a major outbreak. It does not have the same infectivity as Covid-19 or influenza,” he said.
In light of a global rise in Mpox cases, Prof. Rai emphasized that strict isolation protocols should be followed for any potential cases, similar to those for other infectious diseases. He reassured the public that there is no cause for panic, as Mpox is less infectious compared to Covid-19.
He said that the first human case of monkeypox, also known as Mpox, was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the patient was a nine-month-old boy.
“Based on the evidence of 50 years, on the basis of that Mpox would not trigger a big problem and there is no need to panic. Mpox does not have that infectivity as was in Covid or influenza,” Prof. Rai said.
At the event, a SKIMS official highlighted that advisories from SKIMS Soura and other health institutions aim to raise awareness and educate the public on preventive measures to curb the spread of Mpox.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi has also released guidelines for managing suspected Mpox cases, despite no cases reported in India yet. These precautionary measures are based on the virus’s resemblance to smallpox, though less severe.
Jammu and Kashmir is on high alert, with the Health Department training healthcare professionals on control measures for Mpox. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Mpox as a public health emergency of international concern due to its prevalence in parts of Africa, though no travel advisories have been issued.
The WHO has classified Mpox as a public health emergency of international concern due to its prevalence in various parts of Africa. However, no travel advisories have been issued.
It said that Mpox can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with someone who is infectious, with contaminated materials, or with infected animals.
