News Analysis India

Tag: Monkeypox

  • Monkeypox remains global health emergency: WHO

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that monkeypox, the zoonotic viral disease, which has been reported in over 100 countries, including India, is still a global health emergency of concern.

    The WHO announcement came at its third meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) Emergency Committee regarding the multi-country viral disease outbreak.  The WHO labels public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) to convey a coordinated global response in not only collaboration on sharing vaccines and treatments but also in unlocking funds.

    According to Dr Pargya Yadav, a top scientist at the National Institute of Virology, Pune (NIV)-Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India is fully prepared and has already trained Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) facilities to screen samples for monkeypox.

    In India, 20 monkeypox cases, including one death, have been reported. While Kerala reported six cases – all had travelled from UAE – including the youth who died, Delhi reported the maximum number with 14 monkeypox cases.

    “In this situation when monkeypox virus is showing mutation, it is important to keep monitoring and do the testing and sequencing for suspected cases,” Dr Yadav, who has been successful in isolating the monkeypox virus from the clinical specimen of a patient, paving the way for the development of diagnostic kits and vaccines against the disease, said on WHO continuing to declare monkeypox as a global health emergency. 

    Dr Yadav, who headed the team that developed Covaxin, India’s first indigenous Covid-19 vaccine, said Covid had taught us to be vigilant during an outbreak till we are sure about the endgame of the disease.

    Globally, there have been 77,092 cases in 106 countries as of October 31, while 36 deaths have been reported. 

    “The Emergency Committee acknowledged that some progress has been made in the global response to the multi-country outbreak of monkeypox since the last meeting, including the emerging information on the effectiveness of behavioural interventions and vaccines,” the WHO said.

    WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said there had been a promising decline in global cases. “The number of reported cases has dropped for eight straight weeks. This is very encouraging.”

    ALSO READ | ‘Vax paucity led to Monkeypox surge’: Researchers from ICMI

    Though in the meeting some progress was acknowledged, it was felt Public Health Emergency of International Concern should continue.

    In July, the WHO said the rapidly spreading monkeypox outbreak represented a global health emergency.

    Since early May 2022, cases of monkeypox have been reported in countries where the disease is not endemic and continue to be registered in several endemic countries. 

    Most confirmed cases with travel history reported travel to countries in Europe and North America rather than West or Central Africa, where the monkeypox virus is endemic. 

    This is the first time that many monkeypox cases and clusters have been reported concurrently in non-endemic and endemic countries in disparate geographical areas.

    Most reported cases so far have been identified through sexual health or other health services in primary or secondary healthcare facilities. They have involved mainly, but not exclusively, men who have sex with men, according to WHO.

    NEW DELHI: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that monkeypox, the zoonotic viral disease, which has been reported in over 100 countries, including India, is still a global health emergency of concern.

    The WHO announcement came at its third meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) Emergency Committee regarding the multi-country viral disease outbreak.  The WHO labels public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) to convey a coordinated global response in not only collaboration on sharing vaccines and treatments but also in unlocking funds.

    According to Dr Pargya Yadav, a top scientist at the National Institute of Virology, Pune (NIV)-Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India is fully prepared and has already trained Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) facilities to screen samples for monkeypox.

    In India, 20 monkeypox cases, including one death, have been reported. While Kerala reported six cases – all had travelled from UAE – including the youth who died, Delhi reported the maximum number with 14 monkeypox cases.

    “In this situation when monkeypox virus is showing mutation, it is important to keep monitoring and do the testing and sequencing for suspected cases,” Dr Yadav, who has been successful in isolating the monkeypox virus from the clinical specimen of a patient, paving the way for the development of diagnostic kits and vaccines against the disease, said on WHO continuing to declare monkeypox as a global health emergency. 

    Dr Yadav, who headed the team that developed Covaxin, India’s first indigenous Covid-19 vaccine, said Covid had taught us to be vigilant during an outbreak till we are sure about the endgame of the disease.

    Globally, there have been 77,092 cases in 106 countries as of October 31, while 36 deaths have been reported. 

    “The Emergency Committee acknowledged that some progress has been made in the global response to the multi-country outbreak of monkeypox since the last meeting, including the emerging information on the effectiveness of behavioural interventions and vaccines,” the WHO said.

    WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said there had been a promising decline in global cases. “The number of reported cases has dropped for eight straight weeks. This is very encouraging.”

    ALSO READ | ‘Vax paucity led to Monkeypox surge’: Researchers from ICMI

    Though in the meeting some progress was acknowledged, it was felt Public Health Emergency of International Concern should continue.

    In July, the WHO said the rapidly spreading monkeypox outbreak represented a global health emergency.

    Since early May 2022, cases of monkeypox have been reported in countries where the disease is not endemic and continue to be registered in several endemic countries. 

    Most confirmed cases with travel history reported travel to countries in Europe and North America rather than West or Central Africa, where the monkeypox virus is endemic. 

    This is the first time that many monkeypox cases and clusters have been reported concurrently in non-endemic and endemic countries in disparate geographical areas.

    Most reported cases so far have been identified through sexual health or other health services in primary or secondary healthcare facilities. They have involved mainly, but not exclusively, men who have sex with men, according to WHO.

  • India reports 9th monkeypox case as 31-year-old Nigerian woman tests positive in Delhi

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Delhi reported its fourth case of monkeypox on Wednesday with a 31-year-old Nigerian woman testing positive for the disease, official sources said.

    With this case, India’s tally of monkeypox infections has gone up to nine. She is the first woman in India to test positive for monkeypox.

    The woman has fever and skin lesions and is admitted to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital, sources said, adding her samples were sent for testing and the results came positive on Wednesday.

    There is no information about her travelling abroad recently, sources said.

    The first monkeypox patient in Delhi was discharged on Monday from the LNJP hospital.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently declared monkeypox a global public health emergency of international concern.

    According to the global health body, monkeypox is a viral zoonosis — a virus transmitted to humans from animals — with symptoms similar to smallpox although clinically less severe.

    ALSO READ | Check out the Health Ministry’s guidelines for battling monkeypox outbreak

    The disease typically manifests itself with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications.

    It is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting for two to four weeks.

    The ‘Guidelines on Management of Monkeypox Disease’ issued by the Centre, stated that human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through large respiratory droplets generally requiring prolonged close contact.

    It can also be transmitted through direct contact with body fluids or lesions, and indirect contact with lesion material such as through contaminated clothing or linen of an infected person.

    Animal-to-human transmission may occur by bite or scratch of infected animals or through bush meat preparation.

    The incubation period is usually six to 13 days and the case fatality rate of monkeypox has historically ranged up to 11 per cent in the general population and higher among children.

    In recent times, the case fatality rate has been around three to six per cent.

    The symptoms include lesions which usually begin within one to three days from the onset of fever, lasting for around two to four weeks and are often described as painful until the healing phase when they become itchy.

    A notable predilection for palm and soles is characteristic of monkeypox, the guidelines stated.

    NEW DELHI: Delhi reported its fourth case of monkeypox on Wednesday with a 31-year-old Nigerian woman testing positive for the disease, official sources said.

    With this case, India’s tally of monkeypox infections has gone up to nine. She is the first woman in India to test positive for monkeypox.

    The woman has fever and skin lesions and is admitted to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital, sources said, adding her samples were sent for testing and the results came positive on Wednesday.

    There is no information about her travelling abroad recently, sources said.

    The first monkeypox patient in Delhi was discharged on Monday from the LNJP hospital.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently declared monkeypox a global public health emergency of international concern.

    According to the global health body, monkeypox is a viral zoonosis — a virus transmitted to humans from animals — with symptoms similar to smallpox although clinically less severe.

    ALSO READ | Check out the Health Ministry’s guidelines for battling monkeypox outbreak

    The disease typically manifests itself with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications.

    It is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting for two to four weeks.

    The ‘Guidelines on Management of Monkeypox Disease’ issued by the Centre, stated that human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through large respiratory droplets generally requiring prolonged close contact.

    It can also be transmitted through direct contact with body fluids or lesions, and indirect contact with lesion material such as through contaminated clothing or linen of an infected person.

    Animal-to-human transmission may occur by bite or scratch of infected animals or through bush meat preparation.

    The incubation period is usually six to 13 days and the case fatality rate of monkeypox has historically ranged up to 11 per cent in the general population and higher among children.

    In recent times, the case fatality rate has been around three to six per cent.

    The symptoms include lesions which usually begin within one to three days from the onset of fever, lasting for around two to four weeks and are often described as painful until the healing phase when they become itchy.

    A notable predilection for palm and soles is characteristic of monkeypox, the guidelines stated.

  • See Union Govt’s guidelines for battling Monkeypox outbreak

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: In the wake of the rising cases of Monkeypox in the country, Union Health Ministry on Wednesday released guidelines to prevent the spread of Monkeypox disease.

    The Ministry, in its official communication, informed that there was no reported case of the Monkeypox virus in India till May 31, 2022. However, India needs to be prepared in view of the increasing reports of cases in non-endemic countries.

    Monkeypox (MPX) is a viral zoonotic disease with symptoms similar to smallpox, although with less clinical severity. MPX was first discovered in 1958 in colonies of monkeys kept for research, hence the name ‘Monkeypox.’

    The first human case of Monkeypox was reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 1970. The Monkeypox Virus primarily occurs in Central and West Africa. In 2003, the first Monkeypox outbreak outside of Africa was reported in the United States of America, which was linked to contact with infected pet prairie dogs. These pets had been housed with Gambian pouched rats and dormice that had been imported into the country from Ghana.

    Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks. Severe cases occur more commonly among children and are related to the extent of virus exposure, patient health status and nature of complications.

    It is known to occur primarily through large respiratory droplets generally requiring prolonged close contact. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, and indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated clothing or linens of an infected person.

    ALSO READ | Third monkeypox case in Delhi, government says not to panic

    It may occur by a bite or scratch of infected animals like small mammals including rodents (rats, squirrels) and non-human primates (monkeys, apes) or through bush meat preparation.

    A person of any age having a history of travel to affected countries within the last 21 days presenting with an unexplained acute rash and one or more of the following signs or symptoms

    Swollen lymph nodes

    Fever

    Headache

    Body aches

    profound weakness

    Prodrome (0-5 days)

    a. Fever

    b. Lymphadenopathy. Typically occurs with fever onset. Periauricular, axillary, cervical or inguinal. Unilateral or bilateral

    c. Headache, muscle aches, exhaustion

    d. Chills and/or sweats

    e. Sore throat and cough

    Skin involvement (rash)

    a. Usually begins within 1-3 days of fever onset, lasting for around 2-4 weeks

    b. Deep-seated, well-circumscribed and often develop umbilication

    c. Lesions are often described as painful until the healing phase when they become itchy (in the crust stage)

    The Ministry further laid down

    a) Contacts should be monitored at least daily for the onset of signs/symptoms for a period of 21 days (as per the case definition above) from the last contact with a patient or their contaminated materials during the infectious period. In case of occurrence of fever clinical/lab evaluation is warranted.

    b) Asymptomatic contacts should not donate blood, cells, tissue, organs or semen while they are under surveillance.

    c) Pre-school children may be excluded from daycare, nursery, or other group settings.

    d) Health workers who have unprotected exposures to patients with monkeypox or possibly contaminated materials do not need to be excluded from work duty if asymptomatic but should undergo active surveillance for symptoms for 21 days.

    1. Avoid contact with any materials, such as bedding, that have been in contact with a sick person.

    2. Isolate infected patients from others.

    3. Practice good hand hygiene after contact with infected animals or humans. For example, washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

    4. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients.

    5. Surveillance and rapid identification of new cases are critical for outbreak containment. During human Monkeypox outbreaks, close contact with infected persons is the most significant risk factor for monkeypox virus infection. Health workers and household members are at a greater risk of infection.

    6. Health workers caring for patients with suspected or confirmed monkeypox virus infection, or handling specimens from them, should implement standard infection control precautions. Samples taken from people and animals with suspected monkeypox virus infection should be handled by trained staff working in suitably equipped laboratories. Patient specimens must be safely prepared for transport with triple packaging in accordance with WHO guidance for the transport of infectious substances.

    A combination of standard, contact and droplet precautions should be applied in all healthcare settings when a patient presents with fever and vesicular/pustular rash. In addition, because of the theoretical risk of airborne transmission of the Monkeypox virus, airborne precautions should be applied as per risk assessment.

    ALSO READ | Covid setup at Gandhi Hospital can be used to test for monkeypox

    In the wake of the rising cases of Monkeypox in the country, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday assured citizens not to panic and said that an awareness campaign is being run in collaboration with the state governments to prevent the spread of the infection.

    Speaking in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday during the ongoing Monsoon session of the Parliament, the Union Minister said, “There is no need to be afraid of Monkeypox, an awareness campaign is being run in collaboration with the state governments: Public awareness is very necessary for the context of Monkeypox. We have also formed a task force under the chairmanship of a member of NITI Aayog on behalf of the Government of India.”

    “On the basis of the observations of the task force, we will assess and study the further action to be taken. If the state government of Kerala needs any kind of help from the Central government, it will be given. Also, an expert team of the Central government is guiding the state government from time to time,” he said.

    NEW DELHI: In the wake of the rising cases of Monkeypox in the country, Union Health Ministry on Wednesday released guidelines to prevent the spread of Monkeypox disease.

    The Ministry, in its official communication, informed that there was no reported case of the Monkeypox virus in India till May 31, 2022. However, India needs to be prepared in view of the increasing reports of cases in non-endemic countries.

    Monkeypox (MPX) is a viral zoonotic disease with symptoms similar to smallpox, although with less clinical severity. MPX was first discovered in 1958 in colonies of monkeys kept for research, hence the name ‘Monkeypox.’

    The first human case of Monkeypox was reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 1970. The Monkeypox Virus primarily occurs in Central and West Africa. In 2003, the first Monkeypox outbreak outside of Africa was reported in the United States of America, which was linked to contact with infected pet prairie dogs. These pets had been housed with Gambian pouched rats and dormice that had been imported into the country from Ghana.

    Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks. Severe cases occur more commonly among children and are related to the extent of virus exposure, patient health status and nature of complications.

    It is known to occur primarily through large respiratory droplets generally requiring prolonged close contact. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, and indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated clothing or linens of an infected person.

    ALSO READ | Third monkeypox case in Delhi, government says not to panic

    It may occur by a bite or scratch of infected animals like small mammals including rodents (rats, squirrels) and non-human primates (monkeys, apes) or through bush meat preparation.

    A person of any age having a history of travel to affected countries within the last 21 days presenting with an unexplained acute rash and one or more of the following signs or symptoms

    Swollen lymph nodes

    Fever

    Headache

    Body aches

    profound weakness

    Prodrome (0-5 days)

    a. Fever

    b. Lymphadenopathy. Typically occurs with fever onset. Periauricular, axillary, cervical or inguinal. Unilateral or bilateral

    c. Headache, muscle aches, exhaustion

    d. Chills and/or sweats

    e. Sore throat and cough

    Skin involvement (rash)

    a. Usually begins within 1-3 days of fever onset, lasting for around 2-4 weeks

    b. Deep-seated, well-circumscribed and often develop umbilication

    c. Lesions are often described as painful until the healing phase when they become itchy (in the crust stage)

    The Ministry further laid down

    a) Contacts should be monitored at least daily for the onset of signs/symptoms for a period of 21 days (as per the case definition above) from the last contact with a patient or their contaminated materials during the infectious period. In case of occurrence of fever clinical/lab evaluation is warranted.

    b) Asymptomatic contacts should not donate blood, cells, tissue, organs or semen while they are under surveillance.

    c) Pre-school children may be excluded from daycare, nursery, or other group settings.

    d) Health workers who have unprotected exposures to patients with monkeypox or possibly contaminated materials do not need to be excluded from work duty if asymptomatic but should undergo active surveillance for symptoms for 21 days.

    1. Avoid contact with any materials, such as bedding, that have been in contact with a sick person.

    2. Isolate infected patients from others.

    3. Practice good hand hygiene after contact with infected animals or humans. For example, washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

    4. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients.

    5. Surveillance and rapid identification of new cases are critical for outbreak containment. During human Monkeypox outbreaks, close contact with infected persons is the most significant risk factor for monkeypox virus infection. Health workers and household members are at a greater risk of infection.

    6. Health workers caring for patients with suspected or confirmed monkeypox virus infection, or handling specimens from them, should implement standard infection control precautions. Samples taken from people and animals with suspected monkeypox virus infection should be handled by trained staff working in suitably equipped laboratories. Patient specimens must be safely prepared for transport with triple packaging in accordance with WHO guidance for the transport of infectious substances.

    A combination of standard, contact and droplet precautions should be applied in all healthcare settings when a patient presents with fever and vesicular/pustular rash. In addition, because of the theoretical risk of airborne transmission of the Monkeypox virus, airborne precautions should be applied as per risk assessment.

    ALSO READ | Covid setup at Gandhi Hospital can be used to test for monkeypox

    In the wake of the rising cases of Monkeypox in the country, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday assured citizens not to panic and said that an awareness campaign is being run in collaboration with the state governments to prevent the spread of the infection.

    Speaking in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday during the ongoing Monsoon session of the Parliament, the Union Minister said, “There is no need to be afraid of Monkeypox, an awareness campaign is being run in collaboration with the state governments: Public awareness is very necessary for the context of Monkeypox. We have also formed a task force under the chairmanship of a member of NITI Aayog on behalf of the Government of India.”

    “On the basis of the observations of the task force, we will assess and study the further action to be taken. If the state government of Kerala needs any kind of help from the Central government, it will be given. Also, an expert team of the Central government is guiding the state government from time to time,” he said.

  • ‘No need to fear monkeypox’: Mandaviya says Centre prepared to deal with it

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: As India recorded eighth monkeypox case, Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday allayed concerns in the parliament, saying that the country was taking a step-by-step approach to tackle the viral disease and there was no need to fear the virus.

    On Tuesday, two monkeypox cases were reported – one each from Kerala and Delhi – taking the total number of monkeypox cases to eight in the country. Of the eight instances – five were from Kerala, all of whom had a history of travel from UAE, and three from Delhi with no travel history. Delhi’s first case, a 34-year-old man, was discharged from the hospital after he recovered on Tuesday. India on Monday confirmed its first monkeypox death, the first in Asia, of a 22-year-old man who had returned from UAE.

    Noting that the disease “is not new,” Dr Mandaviya said India is implementing the best learnings due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    ALSO READ | India’s eighth case: Another man tests positive for monkeypox in Delhi, city’s third

    “Monkeypox is not a new disease in India and the world. Since 1970, a lot of cases have been seen in the world from Africa. The WHO (World Health Organization) has paid special attention to this. Monitoring has started in India also,” he said.

    “When cases started appearing worldwide, India had already started preparations. Before the first case in Kerala, we had issued guidelines to all the states,” he said.

    He said when the first case in India was reported from Kerala on July 14, the centre on May 1,had given guidelines to all states, and not just for international airports, on surveillance mechanism and contact tracing, how to collect samples from suspected cases and sending it to recognised laboratories for testing.

    “We have written to the governments at the international level that the screening report of the travellers should also be sent to us,” the minister said.

    “There is no need to be scared of monkeypox. The centre with state governments has started awareness campaigns,” he added.

    Informing about the various steps taken to prevent the spread of the disease, he said India is developing testing kits and vaccines for monkeypox.

    The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has isolated the monkeypox virus. An expression of interest has been floated for research institutions, vaccine and diagnostic kits manufacturers in India to take the virus strain for further research to develop a vaccine in the country, he said, adding that it is being done the way it was done during Covid.

    ALSO READ | Current monkeypox symptoms different from previous outbreaks: BMJ study

    Giving details about the number of monkeypox cases, he said, “Till date, eight cases of the disease have been detected in India, out of which five have foreign travel history.”

    With the disease spreading only through close contacts, the minister said no specific community is at risk, and the government has taken up steps to create awareness about common symptoms, reporting of suspected cases and prevention from the disease.

    The centre has set up a task force led by NITI Aayog member (health) Dr V K Paul to monitor monkeypox. “Based on the observations of the task force, we will assess and study the further action to be taken. If the state government of Kerala needs help from the Central government, it will be given. Also, an expert central government team is guiding the state government from time to time,” he said.

    The virus, earlier confined mainly to Africa, has been reported in at least 78 countries since January. Over 22,000 cases have been reported globally, mainly in the US and Europe. The WHO on July 23 declared monkeypox a global public health emergency of international concern.

    NEW DELHI: As India recorded eighth monkeypox case, Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday allayed concerns in the parliament, saying that the country was taking a step-by-step approach to tackle the viral disease and there was no need to fear the virus.

    On Tuesday, two monkeypox cases were reported – one each from Kerala and Delhi – taking the total number of monkeypox cases to eight in the country. Of the eight instances – five were from Kerala, all of whom had a history of travel from UAE, and three from Delhi with no travel history. Delhi’s first case, a 34-year-old man, was discharged from the hospital after he recovered on Tuesday. India on Monday confirmed its first monkeypox death, the first in Asia, of a 22-year-old man who had returned from UAE.

    Noting that the disease “is not new,” Dr Mandaviya said India is implementing the best learnings due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    ALSO READ | India’s eighth case: Another man tests positive for monkeypox in Delhi, city’s third

    “Monkeypox is not a new disease in India and the world. Since 1970, a lot of cases have been seen in the world from Africa. The WHO (World Health Organization) has paid special attention to this. Monitoring has started in India also,” he said.

    “When cases started appearing worldwide, India had already started preparations. Before the first case in Kerala, we had issued guidelines to all the states,” he said.

    He said when the first case in India was reported from Kerala on July 14, the centre on May 1,had given guidelines to all states, and not just for international airports, on surveillance mechanism and contact tracing, how to collect samples from suspected cases and sending it to recognised laboratories for testing.

    “We have written to the governments at the international level that the screening report of the travellers should also be sent to us,” the minister said.

    “There is no need to be scared of monkeypox. The centre with state governments has started awareness campaigns,” he added.

    Informing about the various steps taken to prevent the spread of the disease, he said India is developing testing kits and vaccines for monkeypox.

    The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has isolated the monkeypox virus. An expression of interest has been floated for research institutions, vaccine and diagnostic kits manufacturers in India to take the virus strain for further research to develop a vaccine in the country, he said, adding that it is being done the way it was done during Covid.

    ALSO READ | Current monkeypox symptoms different from previous outbreaks: BMJ study

    Giving details about the number of monkeypox cases, he said, “Till date, eight cases of the disease have been detected in India, out of which five have foreign travel history.”

    With the disease spreading only through close contacts, the minister said no specific community is at risk, and the government has taken up steps to create awareness about common symptoms, reporting of suspected cases and prevention from the disease.

    The centre has set up a task force led by NITI Aayog member (health) Dr V K Paul to monitor monkeypox. “Based on the observations of the task force, we will assess and study the further action to be taken. If the state government of Kerala needs help from the Central government, it will be given. Also, an expert central government team is guiding the state government from time to time,” he said.

    The virus, earlier confined mainly to Africa, has been reported in at least 78 countries since January. Over 22,000 cases have been reported globally, mainly in the US and Europe. The WHO on July 23 declared monkeypox a global public health emergency of international concern.

  • Monkeypox: Nigerian man in Delhi with no travel history tests positive, sixth case in country

    By Agencies

    NEW DELHI: A 35-year-old Nigerian man living in the national capital, with no recent international travel history, tests positive for monkeypox, said official sources on Monday.

    This is the sixth monkeypox case in India and the second case in Delhi.

    The patient is admitted to Lok Nayak Jaiprakash Hospital which comes under the government of Delhi.

    India has reported six monkeypox cases so far including four from Kerala and two from Delhi.

    The government of Kerala declared on Monday the first death due to monkeypox. A 22-year-old man who had tested positive for monkeypox in UAE arrived in India on July 22 and was admitted to a hospital on July 27 after again testing positive for monkeypox.

    “The situation is well under control, there’s no panic here as of now. The person had direct contact with only 10 people including family members and a few friends. 20 people quarantined so far,” said Renjini, Member, Education and Health standing committee.

    The Centre has formed a task force in the wake of monkeypox cases in India to monitor and provide guidance to the government on the expansion of diagnostic facilities and to explore vaccination for the infection in the country.

    The decision was taken during a meeting which was attended by Cabinet secretary, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, Additional Secretary (PMO) and other senior officials.

    ALSO READ | Kerala youth who returned from UAE is India’s first monkeypox victim

    “The team will be headed by Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog and members including Secretary, Union Health Ministry, Pharma and Biotech,” sources told ANI.

    Meanwhile, a contact list and route map of the deceased youth has been prepared. Contact persons are advised to undergo isolation.

    The central government is on an alert even as the count of infections in some other countries has risen.

    NITI Aayog’s member (Health) Dr V K Paul said that there is absolutely no need for any panic as the government has taken significant measures to keep the disease in check.

    In an interview with ANI, Dr Paul sought to assert that there was no need for any undue panic but added that it was still important that the country and the society stay vigilant.

    “There is no need to panic, as of now, but one must report in time if they spot any symptoms, he said.

    According to World Health Organization (WHO), more than 18,000 cases have been reported from 78 countries.

    “The monkeypox outbreak can be stopped if countries, communities and individuals inform themselves, take the risks seriously, and take the steps needed to stop transmission and protect vulnerable groups,” said Dr Tedros, Director General, WHO on Thursday.

    Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family of viruses that causes smallpox. The disease is endemic in regions like West and Central Africa but lately, cases have been reported from non-endemic countries too, according to the WHO.

    NEW DELHI: A 35-year-old Nigerian man living in the national capital, with no recent international travel history, tests positive for monkeypox, said official sources on Monday.

    This is the sixth monkeypox case in India and the second case in Delhi.

    The patient is admitted to Lok Nayak Jaiprakash Hospital which comes under the government of Delhi.

    India has reported six monkeypox cases so far including four from Kerala and two from Delhi.

    The government of Kerala declared on Monday the first death due to monkeypox. A 22-year-old man who had tested positive for monkeypox in UAE arrived in India on July 22 and was admitted to a hospital on July 27 after again testing positive for monkeypox.

    “The situation is well under control, there’s no panic here as of now. The person had direct contact with only 10 people including family members and a few friends. 20 people quarantined so far,” said Renjini, Member, Education and Health standing committee.

    The Centre has formed a task force in the wake of monkeypox cases in India to monitor and provide guidance to the government on the expansion of diagnostic facilities and to explore vaccination for the infection in the country.

    The decision was taken during a meeting which was attended by Cabinet secretary, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, Additional Secretary (PMO) and other senior officials.

    ALSO READ | Kerala youth who returned from UAE is India’s first monkeypox victim

    “The team will be headed by Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog and members including Secretary, Union Health Ministry, Pharma and Biotech,” sources told ANI.

    Meanwhile, a contact list and route map of the deceased youth has been prepared. Contact persons are advised to undergo isolation.

    The central government is on an alert even as the count of infections in some other countries has risen.

    NITI Aayog’s member (Health) Dr V K Paul said that there is absolutely no need for any panic as the government has taken significant measures to keep the disease in check.

    In an interview with ANI, Dr Paul sought to assert that there was no need for any undue panic but added that it was still important that the country and the society stay vigilant.

    “There is no need to panic, as of now, but one must report in time if they spot any symptoms, he said.

    According to World Health Organization (WHO), more than 18,000 cases have been reported from 78 countries.

    “The monkeypox outbreak can be stopped if countries, communities and individuals inform themselves, take the risks seriously, and take the steps needed to stop transmission and protect vulnerable groups,” said Dr Tedros, Director General, WHO on Thursday.

    Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family of viruses that causes smallpox. The disease is endemic in regions like West and Central Africa but lately, cases have been reported from non-endemic countries too, according to the WHO.

  • Current monkeypox symptoms different from previous outbreaks: BMJ study

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: People infected with monkeypox during the ongoing global outbreak display symptoms not typically associated with the viral infection, a study published in the British Medical Journal said.

    The findings are based on 197 confirmed monkeypox cases at an infectious disease centre in London between May and July 2022, the study said.

    Some common symptoms they described include rectal pain and penile swelling (oedema), which differ from those described in previous outbreaks.

    The researchers recommend that clinicians consider monkeypox infection in patients with these symptoms.

    Those with confirmed monkeypox infection with extensive penile lesions or severe rectal pain “should be considered for ongoing review or inpatient management,” the report added.

    All 197 participants in the study were men (average age of 38 years), of whom 196 identified as gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men.

    All patients presented with lesions on their skin or mucosal membranes, most commonly on the genitals or the perianal area.

    ALSO READ | Kerala youth who returned from UAE is India’s first monkeypox victim

    Most (86%) of patients reported systemic illness affecting the entire body.

    The most common systemic symptoms were fever (62%), swollen lymph nodes (58%), and muscle aches and pain (32%).

    In contrast with existing case reports suggesting that systemic symptoms precede skin lesions, 38% of patients developed systemic symptoms after the onset of mucocutaneous lesions, while 14% presented with lesions without systemic features.

    Seventy-one patients reported rectal pain, 33 sore throats, and 31 penile oedemata, while 27 had oral lesions, 22 had a solitary lesion, and nine had swollen tonsils.

    The researchers said solitary lesions and swollen tonsils were not previously known to be typical of monkeypox infection and could be mistaken for other conditions.

    Just over a third (36%) of participants also had HIV infection and 32% of those screened for sexually transmitted diseases had a sexually transmitted infection.

    Overall, 20 (10%) participants were admitted to the hospital to manage symptoms, most commonly rectal pain and penile swelling. However, no deaths were reported, and no patients required intensive hospital care.

    Only one participant had recently travelled to an endemic region, confirming ongoing transmission within the UK. Only a quarter of patients had known contact with someone with confirmed monkeypox infection, raising the possibility of transmission by people with no or very few symptoms.

    NEW DELHI: People infected with monkeypox during the ongoing global outbreak display symptoms not typically associated with the viral infection, a study published in the British Medical Journal said.

    The findings are based on 197 confirmed monkeypox cases at an infectious disease centre in London between May and July 2022, the study said.

    Some common symptoms they described include rectal pain and penile swelling (oedema), which differ from those described in previous outbreaks.

    The researchers recommend that clinicians consider monkeypox infection in patients with these symptoms.

    Those with confirmed monkeypox infection with extensive penile lesions or severe rectal pain “should be considered for ongoing review or inpatient management,” the report added.

    All 197 participants in the study were men (average age of 38 years), of whom 196 identified as gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men.

    All patients presented with lesions on their skin or mucosal membranes, most commonly on the genitals or the perianal area.

    ALSO READ | Kerala youth who returned from UAE is India’s first monkeypox victim

    Most (86%) of patients reported systemic illness affecting the entire body.

    The most common systemic symptoms were fever (62%), swollen lymph nodes (58%), and muscle aches and pain (32%).

    In contrast with existing case reports suggesting that systemic symptoms precede skin lesions, 38% of patients developed systemic symptoms after the onset of mucocutaneous lesions, while 14% presented with lesions without systemic features.

    Seventy-one patients reported rectal pain, 33 sore throats, and 31 penile oedemata, while 27 had oral lesions, 22 had a solitary lesion, and nine had swollen tonsils.

    The researchers said solitary lesions and swollen tonsils were not previously known to be typical of monkeypox infection and could be mistaken for other conditions.

    Just over a third (36%) of participants also had HIV infection and 32% of those screened for sexually transmitted diseases had a sexually transmitted infection.

    Overall, 20 (10%) participants were admitted to the hospital to manage symptoms, most commonly rectal pain and penile swelling. However, no deaths were reported, and no patients required intensive hospital care.

    Only one participant had recently travelled to an endemic region, confirming ongoing transmission within the UK. Only a quarter of patients had known contact with someone with confirmed monkeypox infection, raising the possibility of transmission by people with no or very few symptoms.

  • Centre forms task force to monitor monkeypox situation in India closely

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Centre has formed a task force on monkeypox to closely monitor the emerging situation in India and decide on response initiatives to tackle the spread of the disease, official sources said on Monday.

    The announcement from the Union Health Ministry came following samples of a 22-year-old man who died in Kerala last week and came out positive for monkeypox on Monday. The deceased had earlier tested positive for monkeypox in the UAE.

    So far, India has confirmed four monkeypox cases, three in Kerala and one in Delhi. Officials said two foreign nationals, who were detected with monkeypox symptoms, were kept in quarantine in Delhi hospital. The Delhi man, who has earlier tested positive for monkeypox in Delhi, is said to be stable.

    Officials said the decision to constitute the task force was taken at a high-level meeting held on July 26 at the level of the principal secretary to the prime minister.

    Dr V K Paul, NITI Aayog member (health) will head the task force.

    ALSO READ | Kerala youth who returned from UAE is India’s first monkeypox victim

    The National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in the Union Health Ministry have been asked to work on a targeted communication strategy to promote timely reporting, detection of cases and management of patients, officials said.

    Officials said the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had been directed to operationalise its network of labs and make arrangements for requisite diagnostics of monkeypox disease.

    On July 23, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared monkeypox a global public health emergency of international concern. Globally, over 18,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported from 78 countries. WHO also clarified its earlier statement that the viral disease was detected among men who have sex with men, which triggered a hoax demonising the LGBTQ community by putting out a public health advisory, stating that the risk of monkeypox is not just limited to them.

    The union health ministry has undertaken several initiatives, which include strengthening health screening at Points of Entry and operationalisation of 15 laboratories under the ICMR to undertake tests for monkeypox disease, officials said.

    It also issued comprehensive guidelines in May on the disease covering both public health and clinical management aspects.

    Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis – a virus transmitted to humans from animals -with symptoms similar to smallpox, although clinically less severe. Monkeypox typically manifests with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to various medical complications. It is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting two to four weeks.

    NEW DELHI: The Centre has formed a task force on monkeypox to closely monitor the emerging situation in India and decide on response initiatives to tackle the spread of the disease, official sources said on Monday.

    The announcement from the Union Health Ministry came following samples of a 22-year-old man who died in Kerala last week and came out positive for monkeypox on Monday. The deceased had earlier tested positive for monkeypox in the UAE.

    So far, India has confirmed four monkeypox cases, three in Kerala and one in Delhi. Officials said two foreign nationals, who were detected with monkeypox symptoms, were kept in quarantine in Delhi hospital. The Delhi man, who has earlier tested positive for monkeypox in Delhi, is said to be stable.

    Officials said the decision to constitute the task force was taken at a high-level meeting held on July 26 at the level of the principal secretary to the prime minister.

    Dr V K Paul, NITI Aayog member (health) will head the task force.

    ALSO READ | Kerala youth who returned from UAE is India’s first monkeypox victim

    The National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in the Union Health Ministry have been asked to work on a targeted communication strategy to promote timely reporting, detection of cases and management of patients, officials said.

    Officials said the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had been directed to operationalise its network of labs and make arrangements for requisite diagnostics of monkeypox disease.

    On July 23, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared monkeypox a global public health emergency of international concern. Globally, over 18,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported from 78 countries. WHO also clarified its earlier statement that the viral disease was detected among men who have sex with men, which triggered a hoax demonising the LGBTQ community by putting out a public health advisory, stating that the risk of monkeypox is not just limited to them.

    The union health ministry has undertaken several initiatives, which include strengthening health screening at Points of Entry and operationalisation of 15 laboratories under the ICMR to undertake tests for monkeypox disease, officials said.

    It also issued comprehensive guidelines in May on the disease covering both public health and clinical management aspects.

    Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis – a virus transmitted to humans from animals -with symptoms similar to smallpox, although clinically less severe. Monkeypox typically manifests with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to various medical complications. It is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting two to four weeks.

  • Monkeypox vs chickenpox: Difference in way symptoms of both diseases manifest in patients, say docs 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Skin rashes and fever, the common symptoms of both monkeypox and chickenpox have caused confusion among people although doctors have stressed that there is a difference in the way the symptoms of both viral diseases manifest in patients.

    They have also been advised to consult a doctor to dispel any doubts.

    Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe.

    In the rainy season, people are more prone to viral infections, and chickenpox cases are largely seen during this time along with other infections that also show symptoms like rashes and nausea, said Dr Ramanjit Singh, visiting consultant, dermatology, Medanta Hospital.

    “Due to this situation, some patients are getting confused and misinterpret chickenpox with monkeypox. The patient may determine whether they have monkeypox or not by understanding the sequence and the onset of symptoms,” Singh said.

    Explaining further, he said monkeypox usually starts with fever, malaise, headache, sometimes sore throat and cough, and lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) and all these symptoms appear four days prior to skin lesions, rashes and other problems which primarily start from hand and eyes and spread to the whole body.

    Other experts agree and say that apart from skin involvement, there are other symptoms too in the case of monkeypox, but it is always better to consult a doctor to dispel any doubts.

    In a couple of instances reported recently, two suspected cases of monkeypox turned out to be chickenpox.

    ALSO READ | Kerala man who died with Monkeypox symptoms had tested positive abroad, high-level probe on

    A suspect case of monkeypox was admitted to the LNJP Hospital in Delhi last week with fever and lesions, tested negative for the infection but was diagnosed with chickenpox. Similarly, an Ethiopian citizen, who had gone to Bengaluru was tested for monkeypox after he showed symptoms but his report confirmed that he had chickenpox.

    India has so far reported four cases of monkeypox – three from Kerala and one from Delhi.

    Dr Satish Koul, Director, Internal Medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute said, “In monkeypox, the lesions are bigger than chickenpox. In monkeypox, the lesions are seen on palms and soles. In chickenpox, lesions are self-limiting after seven to eight days but not so in monkeypox. The lesions are vesicular and itchy in chicken pox. In monkeypox, the lesions are broad vesicular and non-itchy.”

    Koul also said the duration of fever is longer in monkeypox and such a patient has enlarged lymph nodes.

    Elaborating on the virus that causes chickenpox, Dr SCL Gupta, medical director of Batra Hospital, said chickenpox is an RNA virus which is not as severe but it too leads to rashes on the skin.

    “This is the season of chickenpox. Usually, during monsoon, there is this dampness, a rise in temperature, water logging, formation of moisture and wet clothes, all of these leads to the growth of the virus. Also, there is a religious aspect associated with the disease. People treat it like a ‘goddess’ and so such patients are not treated with any sort of medicines. They are kept in isolation and are given time to heal,” he said.

    Talking about monkeypox, Gupta explained that such virus requires an animal host but is self-limiting with soar throat, fever and normal virus signs.

    “The main sign of this virus is the rashes on the body which have liquids inside. This leads to a viral infection which weakens the body’s resistance. But problems arise due to its complication. In case, any bacterial infection gets pusses and leads to blisters leading further complications in the body,” he said.

    “Right now, monkeypox is at its juvenile stage. We do not have proper treatment. We are just following the method of isolation and treating the suspected patient according to their symptoms. If there is a throat infection, we use the generic medicines that we usually take. So, here it is a case of symptomatic treatment,” he added.

    ALSO READ | Will the monkeypox outbreak turn into another pandemic? Here’s all you need to know

    Doctors have also received queries that whether previous chickenpox infection makes a patient immune to monkeypox, to which the answer is an emphatic no.

    Dr Rajinder Kumar Singal, Senior Director & HOD, Internal Medicine, BLK Max Hospital, New Delhi, said both are caused by different viruses, the mode of transmission is different, and the previous infection does not ensure any protection against the new one.

    But, those who have received the smallpox vaccination have lesser chances of contracting monkeypox, he asserted.

    “The smallpox vaccine was discontinued after the World Health Organisation said the disease had been completely eradicated around 1979-80. People born before 1980 who have taken the smallpox vaccine have lesser chances of contracting monkeypox. Both smallpox and monkeypox are caused by viruses of the same family,” Singhal added.

    Due to this similarity between smallpox and monkeypox, many countries have allowed the ‘small pox’ vaccines to be given but in India, it is still not allowed.

    “The virus is at its juvenile stage and doctors are still figuring it out,” Gupta added.

    NEW DELHI: Skin rashes and fever, the common symptoms of both monkeypox and chickenpox have caused confusion among people although doctors have stressed that there is a difference in the way the symptoms of both viral diseases manifest in patients.

    They have also been advised to consult a doctor to dispel any doubts.

    Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe.

    In the rainy season, people are more prone to viral infections, and chickenpox cases are largely seen during this time along with other infections that also show symptoms like rashes and nausea, said Dr Ramanjit Singh, visiting consultant, dermatology, Medanta Hospital.

    “Due to this situation, some patients are getting confused and misinterpret chickenpox with monkeypox. The patient may determine whether they have monkeypox or not by understanding the sequence and the onset of symptoms,” Singh said.

    Explaining further, he said monkeypox usually starts with fever, malaise, headache, sometimes sore throat and cough, and lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) and all these symptoms appear four days prior to skin lesions, rashes and other problems which primarily start from hand and eyes and spread to the whole body.

    Other experts agree and say that apart from skin involvement, there are other symptoms too in the case of monkeypox, but it is always better to consult a doctor to dispel any doubts.

    In a couple of instances reported recently, two suspected cases of monkeypox turned out to be chickenpox.

    ALSO READ | Kerala man who died with Monkeypox symptoms had tested positive abroad, high-level probe on

    A suspect case of monkeypox was admitted to the LNJP Hospital in Delhi last week with fever and lesions, tested negative for the infection but was diagnosed with chickenpox. Similarly, an Ethiopian citizen, who had gone to Bengaluru was tested for monkeypox after he showed symptoms but his report confirmed that he had chickenpox.

    India has so far reported four cases of monkeypox – three from Kerala and one from Delhi.

    Dr Satish Koul, Director, Internal Medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute said, “In monkeypox, the lesions are bigger than chickenpox. In monkeypox, the lesions are seen on palms and soles. In chickenpox, lesions are self-limiting after seven to eight days but not so in monkeypox. The lesions are vesicular and itchy in chicken pox. In monkeypox, the lesions are broad vesicular and non-itchy.”

    Koul also said the duration of fever is longer in monkeypox and such a patient has enlarged lymph nodes.

    Elaborating on the virus that causes chickenpox, Dr SCL Gupta, medical director of Batra Hospital, said chickenpox is an RNA virus which is not as severe but it too leads to rashes on the skin.

    “This is the season of chickenpox. Usually, during monsoon, there is this dampness, a rise in temperature, water logging, formation of moisture and wet clothes, all of these leads to the growth of the virus. Also, there is a religious aspect associated with the disease. People treat it like a ‘goddess’ and so such patients are not treated with any sort of medicines. They are kept in isolation and are given time to heal,” he said.

    Talking about monkeypox, Gupta explained that such virus requires an animal host but is self-limiting with soar throat, fever and normal virus signs.

    “The main sign of this virus is the rashes on the body which have liquids inside. This leads to a viral infection which weakens the body’s resistance. But problems arise due to its complication. In case, any bacterial infection gets pusses and leads to blisters leading further complications in the body,” he said.

    “Right now, monkeypox is at its juvenile stage. We do not have proper treatment. We are just following the method of isolation and treating the suspected patient according to their symptoms. If there is a throat infection, we use the generic medicines that we usually take. So, here it is a case of symptomatic treatment,” he added.

    ALSO READ | Will the monkeypox outbreak turn into another pandemic? Here’s all you need to know

    Doctors have also received queries that whether previous chickenpox infection makes a patient immune to monkeypox, to which the answer is an emphatic no.

    Dr Rajinder Kumar Singal, Senior Director & HOD, Internal Medicine, BLK Max Hospital, New Delhi, said both are caused by different viruses, the mode of transmission is different, and the previous infection does not ensure any protection against the new one.

    But, those who have received the smallpox vaccination have lesser chances of contracting monkeypox, he asserted.

    “The smallpox vaccine was discontinued after the World Health Organisation said the disease had been completely eradicated around 1979-80. People born before 1980 who have taken the smallpox vaccine have lesser chances of contracting monkeypox. Both smallpox and monkeypox are caused by viruses of the same family,” Singhal added.

    Due to this similarity between smallpox and monkeypox, many countries have allowed the ‘small pox’ vaccines to be given but in India, it is still not allowed.

    “The virus is at its juvenile stage and doctors are still figuring it out,” Gupta added.

  • India’s first monkeypox patient recovers

    By PTI

    THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A Kerala man, who was India’s first monkeypox patient and was being treated at the Government Medical College here, has recovered from the disease, state Health Minister Veena George said on Saturday.

    The 35-year old, hailing from Kollam, would be discharged later in the day, she said. As it was the first case of monkeypox in the country, tests were conducted twice at an interval of 72 hours as per the instructions of the National Institute of Virology (NIV), she said.

    “All samples were negative twice. The patient is physically and mentally healthy. The skin bumps are completely cured. He will be discharged today,” George said.

    ALSO READ: In race for monkeypox vaccines, experts see repeat of COVID

    The minister also said the test results of his family members, who were in the primary contact list with him, are also negative.

    At present, the health condition of two other persons, who had also tested positive for the infection, remains satisfactory, the minister said, adding prevention and surveillance measures would be continued with the same vigour.

    The Kollam native, who had returned to Kerala from abroad and was hospitalised after showing symptoms of monkeypox, tested positive for the disease on July 14.

    ALSO READ | Will the monkeypox outbreak turn into another pandemic? Here’s all you need to know

    According to WHO, monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals), with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe.

    With the eradication of smallpox in 1980 and subsequent cessation of smallpox vaccination, monkeypox has emerged as the most important orthopoxvirus for public health.

    THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A Kerala man, who was India’s first monkeypox patient and was being treated at the Government Medical College here, has recovered from the disease, state Health Minister Veena George said on Saturday.

    The 35-year old, hailing from Kollam, would be discharged later in the day, she said. As it was the first case of monkeypox in the country, tests were conducted twice at an interval of 72 hours as per the instructions of the National Institute of Virology (NIV), she said.

    “All samples were negative twice. The patient is physically and mentally healthy. The skin bumps are completely cured. He will be discharged today,” George said.

    ALSO READ: In race for monkeypox vaccines, experts see repeat of COVID

    The minister also said the test results of his family members, who were in the primary contact list with him, are also negative.

    At present, the health condition of two other persons, who had also tested positive for the infection, remains satisfactory, the minister said, adding prevention and surveillance measures would be continued with the same vigour.

    The Kollam native, who had returned to Kerala from abroad and was hospitalised after showing symptoms of monkeypox, tested positive for the disease on July 14.

    ALSO READ | Will the monkeypox outbreak turn into another pandemic? Here’s all you need to know

    According to WHO, monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals), with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe.

    With the eradication of smallpox in 1980 and subsequent cessation of smallpox vaccination, monkeypox has emerged as the most important orthopoxvirus for public health.

  • ICMR isolates monkeypox virus; may pave way for development of diagnostic kits, vaccines

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune under ICMR has isolated monkeypox virus from the clinical specimen of a patient which can pave the way for development of diagnostic kits and vaccines against the disease, officials said on Wednesday.

    With India isolating the virus, the Indian Council of Medical Research also invited expression of interest (EOI) from experienced vaccine manufacturers, pharma companies, research and development institutions and in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) kit manufacturers for joint collaboration in development of vaccine candidate against monkeypox and diagnostic kits for the infection.

    The virus isolation enhances India’s capacity to do research and development in many other directions, Dr Pragya Yadav, a senior scientist at NIV, said. The development comes amid India reporting four cases of monkeypox — three from Kerala and one from Delhi — so far.

    “The National Institute of Virology has successfully isolated monkeypox virus from the clinical specimen of a patient which can help in the development of diagnostic kits and also vaccines in future. For smallpox live attenuated vaccine was successful for mass immunisation in the past. Similar approaches on new platforms can be tried for making vaccines. The virus isolation enhances India’s capacity to do research and development in many other directions,” Dr Yadav said.

    At present, fluid inside the lesions on the skin are being used for virus isolation as they have the highest viral titre. Dr Yadav said monkeypox virus is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus having two distinct genetic clades — the central African (Congo Basin) clade and the west African clade.

    “The recent outbreak which has affected several countries leading to a worrisome situation is caused by the West African strain which is less severe than Congo lineage reported earlier. The cases reported in India are also of the less severe West African lineage,” she told PTI.

    The EOI documents states that ICMR is willing to make available monkeypox Virus strain/isolates for undertaking research and development validation as well as manufacturing activities using characterized isolates of monkeypox virus under the joint collaboration in the public-private partnership mode for development of vaccine candidate against monkeypox disease and diagnostic kits for diagnosis of the infection.

    “The ICMR is in possession of characterised monkeypox virus isolates/strain and is thereby willing to collaborate with experienced vaccine manufacturers as well as the in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) manufacturers on Royalty basis on fixed term contract condition for undertaking R&D and manufacturing activities for Joint development and validation of 5 potential vaccine candidate against monkeypox disease, development of diagnostic kit (IVD), for detection of the monkeypox virus leading to product development,” the EOI document said.

    “The firm(s)/organisation(s) would be granted rights to undertake further R&D, manufacture, sell, and commercialise the end product(s) ‘vaccine candidate/IVD’ against the Monkeypox disease under defined Agreement,” the document said.

    ICMR reserves all the Intellectual Property Rights and Commercialisation rights on the Monkeypox virus isolates and its method/ protocols for purification, propagation and characterisation, the EOI document stated.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Saturday declared monkeypox a global public health emergency of international concern.

    Globally, over 16,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported from 75 countries and there have been five deaths so far.

    According to WHO, monkeypox is a viral zoonosis, a virus transmitted to humans from animals, with symptoms similar to smallpox although clinically less severe. Monkeypox typically manifests itself with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications. It is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting for two to four weeks.

    The ‘Guidelines on Management of Monkeypox Disease’ issued by the Centre, stated that human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through large respiratory droplets generally requiring prolonged close contact. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with body fluids or lesions, and indirect contact with lesion material such as through contaminated clothing or linen of an infected person.

    Animal-to-human transmission may occur by bite or scratch of infected animals or through bush meat preparation. The incubation period is usually from six to 13 days and the case fatality rate of monkeypox has historically ranged up to 11 per cent in the general population and higher among children.

    In recent times, the case fatality rate has been around three to six per cent.

    The symptoms include lesions which usually begin within one to three days from the onset of fever, lasting for around two to four weeks and are often described as painful until the healing phase when they become itchy. A notable predilection for palm and soles is characteristic of monkeypox, the guidelines stated.

    NEW DELHI: The National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune under ICMR has isolated monkeypox virus from the clinical specimen of a patient which can pave the way for development of diagnostic kits and vaccines against the disease, officials said on Wednesday.

    With India isolating the virus, the Indian Council of Medical Research also invited expression of interest (EOI) from experienced vaccine manufacturers, pharma companies, research and development institutions and in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) kit manufacturers for joint collaboration in development of vaccine candidate against monkeypox and diagnostic kits for the infection.

    The virus isolation enhances India’s capacity to do research and development in many other directions, Dr Pragya Yadav, a senior scientist at NIV, said. The development comes amid India reporting four cases of monkeypox — three from Kerala and one from Delhi — so far.

    “The National Institute of Virology has successfully isolated monkeypox virus from the clinical specimen of a patient which can help in the development of diagnostic kits and also vaccines in future. For smallpox live attenuated vaccine was successful for mass immunisation in the past. Similar approaches on new platforms can be tried for making vaccines. The virus isolation enhances India’s capacity to do research and development in many other directions,” Dr Yadav said.

    At present, fluid inside the lesions on the skin are being used for virus isolation as they have the highest viral titre. Dr Yadav said monkeypox virus is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus having two distinct genetic clades — the central African (Congo Basin) clade and the west African clade.

    “The recent outbreak which has affected several countries leading to a worrisome situation is caused by the West African strain which is less severe than Congo lineage reported earlier. The cases reported in India are also of the less severe West African lineage,” she told PTI.

    The EOI documents states that ICMR is willing to make available monkeypox Virus strain/isolates for undertaking research and development validation as well as manufacturing activities using characterized isolates of monkeypox virus under the joint collaboration in the public-private partnership mode for development of vaccine candidate against monkeypox disease and diagnostic kits for diagnosis of the infection.

    “The ICMR is in possession of characterised monkeypox virus isolates/strain and is thereby willing to collaborate with experienced vaccine manufacturers as well as the in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) manufacturers on Royalty basis on fixed term contract condition for undertaking R&D and manufacturing activities for Joint development and validation of 5 potential vaccine candidate against monkeypox disease, development of diagnostic kit (IVD), for detection of the monkeypox virus leading to product development,” the EOI document said.

    “The firm(s)/organisation(s) would be granted rights to undertake further R&D, manufacture, sell, and commercialise the end product(s) ‘vaccine candidate/IVD’ against the Monkeypox disease under defined Agreement,” the document said.

    ICMR reserves all the Intellectual Property Rights and Commercialisation rights on the Monkeypox virus isolates and its method/ protocols for purification, propagation and characterisation, the EOI document stated.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Saturday declared monkeypox a global public health emergency of international concern.

    Globally, over 16,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported from 75 countries and there have been five deaths so far.

    According to WHO, monkeypox is a viral zoonosis, a virus transmitted to humans from animals, with symptoms similar to smallpox although clinically less severe. Monkeypox typically manifests itself with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications. It is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting for two to four weeks.

    The ‘Guidelines on Management of Monkeypox Disease’ issued by the Centre, stated that human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through large respiratory droplets generally requiring prolonged close contact. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with body fluids or lesions, and indirect contact with lesion material such as through contaminated clothing or linen of an infected person.

    Animal-to-human transmission may occur by bite or scratch of infected animals or through bush meat preparation. The incubation period is usually from six to 13 days and the case fatality rate of monkeypox has historically ranged up to 11 per cent in the general population and higher among children.

    In recent times, the case fatality rate has been around three to six per cent.

    The symptoms include lesions which usually begin within one to three days from the onset of fever, lasting for around two to four weeks and are often described as painful until the healing phase when they become itchy. A notable predilection for palm and soles is characteristic of monkeypox, the guidelines stated.