New virulent monkeypox strain on the loose: Do we have robust vaccine and testing methods to tackle this – The Times of India

Monkeypox, a viral zoonotic disease endemic to Central and West Africa, has emerged as a significant health concern globally and poses a notable challenge for India. With its recent spread beyond traditional boundaries, the disease's symptoms and transmission mechanisms underscore the urgency for robust preparedness and response strategies. Monkeypox: While symptoms are stealthy, the transmission rate gets wider Monkeypox presents with symptoms that begin with fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue, followed by a characteristic rash. This rash progresses from flat spots to raised bumps, then to fluid-filled blisters and eventually to scabs. Infected individuals often experience swollen lymph nodes, which help distinguish monkeypox from similar diseases like smallpox. The virus primarily spreads through direct contact with the rash, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials of infected individuals. It can also be transmitted via respiratory droplets during prolonged close contact, and zoonotic transmission can occur through contact with infected animals. Global health challenge and the role of WHO Globally, monkeypox has been identified as a rising health threat, with increasing cases reported outside its endemic regions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been actively involved in coordinating international efforts to address the outbreak. On August 14, it had declared monkeypox to be a disease of global emergency. The WHOs approach includes providing technical support to affected countries, offering guidelines for case management, and facilitating research into effective treatments and vaccines. The WHO has emphasized the importance of international collaboration and information sharing to control the spread of monkeypox. By working with global health partners, the WHO aims to improve the understanding of the diseases transmission dynamics, support vaccination efforts, and ensure that affected countries receive the necessary resources and expertise to manage outbreaks effectively. How is India preparing to tackle monkeypox virus? In response to the monkeypox threat, the Indian government has taken several measures to enhance preparedness and mitigate potential outbreaks. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued guidelines for surveillance, case management, and public health interventions. These guidelines emphasize early detection, reporting, and isolation of suspected cases to prevent further spread. The Indian government has also initiated training programs for healthcare professionals to recognize and manage monkeypox cases effectively. Indian states are actively working to tackle the challenge through tailored strategies. States like Maharashtra and Kerala, which have experienced higher numbers of infectious cases, are particularly focused on enhancing surveillance systems, setting up dedicated treatment facilities, and increasing public awareness. State health departments are collaborating with local health agencies to ensure prompt reporting and response to suspected cases, and they are working on improving diagnostic capabilities to confirm monkeypox infections accurately. Now, India has developed its own home-grown indigenous RT-PCR testing kit to fight against Mpox, which has been approved by Central Protection Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). IMDX Monkeypox Detection RT-PCR Assay by Siemens Healthineers has received manufacturing approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). This is a significant achievement for our "Make in India" initiative and a critical advancement in the fight against the Monkeypox public health emergency. "IMDX Monkeypox Detection RT-PCR Assay will be manufactured at our molecular diagnostics manufacturing unit in Vadodara, which has a manufacturing capacity of 1 million reactions per year. The factory is all set to make the kits available," said Siemens Healthcare Private Ltd. Do we have enough vaccines against monkeypox? Vaccination plays a crucial role in controlling the spread of monkeypox. Currently, there are two primary vaccines recommended for monkeypox: JYNNEOS and ACAM2000. JYNNEOS, a newer vaccine, is a modified smallpox vaccine with proven efficacy in preventing monkeypox. ACAM2000, an older smallpox vaccine, also offers protection against monkeypox but is less commonly used due to its higher risk of side effects. The Indian government is closely monitoring the global vaccine situation and working with international partners to assess the feasibility of introducing these vaccines into the countrys immunization programs if necessary. In the meantime, efforts are focused on enhancing surveillance, public education, and preventive measures to manage the risk of monkeypox.

African nations, with their limited healthcare resources, face challenges in accessing these vaccines. Efforts are underway to enhance vaccine availability and distribution through international aid and partnerships. By improving vaccination coverage and strengthening healthcare infrastructure, African countries aim to better control monkeypox outbreaks and reduce the impact on affected communities. Global collaboration remains vital in addressing this ongoing health challenge.

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New virulent monkeypox strain on the loose: Do we have robust vaccine and testing methods to tackle this - The Times of India