New Delhi: Monkeypox is currently an emerging threat to the world after cases are reported in Africa, the Middle East, India and some parts of Pakistan. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also declared Monkeypox (Mpox) as a global health emergency. Amid the disease scare, India has increased vigilance, while on the other hand, the Serum Institute of India (SII) Pune on Tuesday noted that the company is working to develop the vaccine for the disease with some positive outcomes expected by this year.
In a statement released by the SII’s CEO Adar Poonawalla, the global health emergency declared due to the Mpox outbreak, the SII is currently working on developing a vaccine for monkeypox to save millions of lives that might be at risk. Poonawalla is quite hopeful about the ongoing process and may come up with positive news to share within a year’s time.
The Mpox outbreak started first in 2022. According to the available data gathered from the national authorities, there were a total of 99,176 confirmed mpox cases between January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024, and the virus has claimed 208 lives during this time span.
Is there a vaccine yet for monkeypox?
During the first time when mpox was declared a global health emergency in 2022, the MVA-BN vaccine or the Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic, was approved for usage by the European Union (EU), United States, Canada and a few other nations. On the other hand, there was another vaccine called Acam2000, has got the nod by the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) for protection against smallpox and mpox.
However, the vaccines that are currently available did not succeed in targeting the monkeypox virus.
What is Monkeypox infection?
Monkeypox is a viral infection that is caused by the monkeypox virus and belongs to a genus of viruses called Orthopoxvirus.
Symptoms of Mpox
Fever.
Rash.
Swollen lymph nodes.
Chills.
Headache.
Muscle aches.
Fatigue.
Amid the disease scare, India has increased vigilance, while on the other hand, the Serum Institute of India (SII) Pune on Tuesday noted that the company is working to develop the vaccine for the disease with some positive outcomes expected by this year. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
