Amidst the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring mpox a global public health emergency, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been diligently monitoring the situation in India. According to a scientist involved in the research, the ICMR has been conducting serosurveys since last year to assess the exposure to mpox within India’s high-risk population. These serosurveys involve testing blood samples for the presence of antibodies to understand any past infections.
The ICMR has also been actively engaged in ongoing sentinel surveillance at the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory to detect any mpox cases. Thankfully, the scientist reported that the serosurveys have yielded hardly any positive cases.
It’s important to note that mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a self-limiting viral zoonotic infection. It primarily spreads between animals and humans, with symptoms similar to smallpox, but less severe. The disease manifests as painful skin lesions, fever, headaches, and muscle aches. Transmission primarily occurs through large respiratory droplets requiring prolonged close contact. However, it can also spread through direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, and indirect contact with contaminated materials like clothing or linens.
In India, no new cases have been reported since the recent outbreak in Congo. The last confirmed cases were detected in July 2022, with 31 confirmed cases in total, including 12 in Kerala and 15 in Delhi.
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the ICMR took proactive measures in June 2022 by isolating the first strain of monkeypox. They then invited expressions of interest from pharmaceutical companies and in-vitro diagnostic kit manufacturers to develop vaccines and testing kits for the virus. The Serum Institute of India is currently working on developing an Mpox vaccine.
The WHO’s declaration of a global emergency stems from the recent surge in mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African nations. While the new strain found in eastern Congo is not currently present in India, scientists at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune emphasize the importance of public health measures and remain vigilant.
The ICMR is closely monitoring the mpox situation both domestically and internationally, taking all necessary steps to prevent a major outbreak in India. The current focus is on maintaining surveillance, promoting awareness, and working collaboratively to develop effective treatments and vaccines.
While the recent upsurge in mpox cases raises concerns, it is essential to remember that the vast majority of cases have been mild. Treatment for the disease remains largely supportive, with investigational drugs being used in some countries only within clinical research settings. The WHO is actively working with countries and vaccine manufacturers to ensure equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and other tools.
