Poonawalla stated, “In view of the global health emergency declared due to the Mpox outbreak, SII is working on developing a vaccine for this disease to cater to millions of lives that might be at risk. Hopefully, we will have more updates and positive news to share within a year’s time.”
Read More: Mpox is Not the New Covid
The government has released official guidelines for isolating suspected Mpox cases, with the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune responsible for sample testing. In the TOI report, Dr. Pragya Yadav, a scientist at the NIV, shared insights on their ongoing efforts.
Dr. Yadav said, “We’ve been testing Mpox samples since 2022. But this time, due to the new lineage of Mpox, there are concerns. Samples have been coming in continuously but, so far, we haven’t had a positive.”
Experts have raised alarms over the new lineage, CLADE 1B, which has the added capacity to spread sexually. Despite this, they believe it will not necessitate lockdown-like measures.Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, former head of the division of epidemiology & communicable diseases and director-in-charge of the National AIDS Research Institute, expressed his concerns from an HIV-AIDS perspective.Dr. Gangakhedkar said, “Mpox usually spreads only through close contact with an infected person, via bodily fluids and sores. But this new lineage also spreads sexually so as an HIV-AIDS expert, that concerns me. People may hide their infection once these skin lesions develop.”
Read More: Mpox Outbreak in India: Check Health Ministry Guidelines for monkeypox prevention
He further elaborated on the effectiveness of the existing vaccines and potential strategies for vaccination.
“The vaccines currently available have shown an efficacy of about 80% so they are effective. But the live attenuated vaccine/s may turn out to be better for administering vulnerable persons. Mass vaccination will not be required as a strategy. If we do need to start vaccinating, we may have to prioritize those who have multiple sexual partners,” he added.
The ongoing efforts by SII and NIV aim to mitigate the risks associated with the Mpox outbreak, with a focus on developing an effective vaccine and executing strategic isolation guidelines.
Rohit Malhotra is a medical expert and health journalist who offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. His articles aim to help readers lead healthier lives.
