Monkeypox Doesn’t Spread Rapidly Like COVID-19: NITI Aayog’s VK Paul

Mumbai: Monkeypox isn’t a disease that spreads rapidly like COVID-19, NITI Aayog Member Dr VK Paul said on Tuesday.

“Surveillance has been strengthened. But it’s also the responsibility of a citizen that if you’re experiencing symptoms or somebody close to you is… it should be reported. Don’t hide it, get treated,” Dr Paul told news agency ANI.

“Patients who are dealing with other diseases too – like cancer – have to be even more alert. My main message is – Don’t panic. This is not a disease that spreads as rapidly as Covid,” he underlined, reminding us that close contacts need to be quarantined too.

So far four cases have been reported in the country – three from Kerala and one from Delhi. Two suspected cases were reported from Uttar Pradesh and Hyderabad.

However, the global count has been worrying. More than 16,000 cases have been reported this year and Europe is the worst affected region. In most cases, there has been talking about having sex with men.

The World Health Organization on Saturday declared monkeypox a global health emergency.

However, WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at the same time that the outbreak could be managed. He also said that “discrimination can be as harmful as the virus”.

The world health body, the top US medical body – the CDC – and the EU regulator have recommended vaccines used for smallpox be used as a prevention measure. France has reportedly opened about 100 vaccination centres.

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