Mpox, the viral infection that has sparked concern globally, should not be viewed as a potential “second Covid-19” or as a comparable threat in terms of lethality or its capacity to spread undetected, says Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, a former scientist at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). As India confirmed its first Mpox case in the latest wave of global infections, Dr. Gangakhedkar reassured the public, emphasising that there is no cause for panic.
Speaking to News18, the country’s leading epidemiologist sought to alleviate fears of another pandemic, noting that Mpox is far less severe than Covid-19. “The death rate of Mpox is low, and it is relatively easy to identify a case because lesions appear on the skin within three to five days of fever,” said Gangakhedkar. He also commended the Union government for its swift action in identifying the case, underscoring the robustness of India’s public health response.
On Monday, the Union Health Ministry confirmed that the first recent Mpox case in India was a travel-related infection. “Laboratory testing has confirmed the presence of the Mpox virus of the West African Clade 2 in the patient. This is an isolated case, similar to the 30 cases reported in India from July 2022 onwards, and is not part of the current public health emergency concerning Clade 1 of Mpox as reported by the WHO,” the ministry stated.
Dr. Gangakhedkar, who was a prominent figure during the government’s Covid-19 briefings, highlighted the importance of early detection in preventing an outbreak. “This world is a global village, and disease-causing germs can travel across borders. However, the early detection of this case demonstrates the effectiveness of our surveillance mechanisms at airports. If we continue with prompt isolation and efficient contact tracing, followed by isolation, there is no reason to panic at all,” he said.
Dr. Gangakhedkar emphasised that Mpox is not comparable to Covid-19, which posed a much greater threat due to its ability to spread invisibly. “During the Covid-19 pandemic, the virus was airborne and could be transmitted by people who were unaware they were carriers. In contrast, Mpox presents visible symptoms in the form of skin lesions and is transmitted through direct contact with bodily secretions,” he explained.
He further pointed out that individuals above the age of 45 are likely to have been vaccinated against smallpox, which provides protection against Mpox. “This means that the younger population remains more susceptible to this infection, but we know their bodies are generally stronger and more resilient to combating illnesses,” he said.
Dr. Gangakhedkar noted that during the Covid-19 pandemic, the population over the age of 40-50 was at higher risk, but in the case of Mpox, they are likely to be safer due to prior vaccination.
The epidemiologist’s key advice to the public is to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if any skin lesions or boils appear after a fever. “If you notice any lesions or boils on your skin after experiencing a fever, do not hide them,” he urged. “Go and get them checked by your doctor. The doctor is more likely to tell you that it is not Mpox, but you should not hide it and risk spreading the infection to your loved ones.”
Dr. Gangakhedkar, who played a crucial role in India’s HIV prevention and control strategies, concluded with a message of reassurance. “Overall, there is no reason to panic or hide an infection. We have the tools, experience, and public health infrastructure to manage this effectively,” he said.
