 |
|
A recent case of Mpox in India has sparked concerns, but Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, a renowned epidemiologist and former scientist at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has assured the public that Mpox should not be equated with the Covid-19 pandemic. He emphasizes that Mpox, though concerning, is less lethal and easier to detect compared to the coronavirus. The Union Health Ministry confirmed the first case of Mpox in India, a travel-related infection, on Monday, after laboratory testing confirmed the presence of the West African clade 2 of the Mpox virus in the patient. This case, like the previous 30 reported from July 2022 onwards, is an isolated instance and not part of the current public health emergency declared by the WHO regarding clade 1 of Mpox.
Dr. Gangakhedkar highlights the ease of identification in Mpox, as skin lesions appear after three to five days of fever, making it less of a hidden danger compared to Covid-19. He commends the Union government's prompt action in identifying the case, attributing it to the strong surveillance system at airports. Dr. Gangakhedkar stresses that the low fatality rate and the readily identifiable symptoms make the disease manageable with quick isolation and efficient contact tracing. The key, he emphasizes, is to act swiftly and not panic.
Comparing Mpox to Covid-19, Dr. Gangakhedkar notes that the latter was a greater threat due to its invisible nature, allowing carriers to unknowingly transmit the virus. The airborne spread of Covid-19 contrasted with Mpox, which is transmitted via direct contact with secretions, making the disease visible through skin lesions. Moreover, individuals above the age of 45 are likely to have received the smallpox vaccination, which offers protection against Mpox, making the younger population more susceptible. However, Dr. Gangakhedkar assures that the younger generation's generally stronger immune systems make them more resilient to the infection.
He cautions against hiding any skin lesions or boils that appear after fever, advising immediate medical attention. Even if the lesion turns out not to be Mpox, it's crucial to seek professional advice and avoid potentially spreading the infection to loved ones. Dr. Gangakhedkar's reassurance focuses on the importance of remaining calm, seeking medical attention promptly, and avoiding unnecessary panic. His expertise in combating the HIV epidemic in India further strengthens his advice on the prevention and control strategies against infectious diseases.
Source: ‘Mpox Not Second Covid-19’: Top Epidemiologist Says Infection Less Lethal, Easier to Detect