Sun Sep 08 13:12:41 UTC 2024: ## Mpox Concerns: Masks Not Essential, Vaccination Status Matters, and India’s Vaccine Availability Remains Limited

**New Delhi, [Date]** – Amidst growing concerns about the mysterious mpox outbreak, experts are emphasizing the importance of public awareness and preventive measures. Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, clarifies that masks are not generally recommended for mpox protection for the public. While the virus can spread through respiratory droplets, particularly in prolonged face-to-face interactions or healthcare settings, the risk of transmission in everyday settings is considered low.

However, individuals with previous smallpox vaccinations may have some cross-protection against mpox, although the efficacy can wane over time. Those vaccinated decades ago might have diminished protection, and younger generations are unlikely to have this protection as routine smallpox vaccination ended in the 1970s.

**While mpox primarily spreads through skin-to-skin contact with infected lesions or bodily fluids, respiratory transmission is possible.** Both the original strain and the Clade 1b strain (formerly known as the West African clade) have the potential for respiratory transmission, but mpox is less efficiently transmitted through the air compared to viruses like SARS-CoV-2.

**To protect oneself, the public is advised to:**

* **Avoid close physical contact** with infected individuals or animals.
* **Practice good hand hygiene** by washing hands frequently with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
* **Be aware of mpox symptoms** and seek medical attention promptly if they develop.

**Currently, two vaccines are available for mpox: JYNNEOS and ACAM2000.** JYNNEOS is specifically approved for mpox prevention and is administered in two doses, while ACAM2000 is an older smallpox vaccine that can also protect against mpox. However, it has more potential side effects.

**In India, mpox vaccines are not widely available for public use.** While the government has not yet approved or imported these vaccines for general distribution, the situation might change based on the epidemiological needs and decisions by health authorities.

**Meanwhile, foreign investors are showing strong interest in the Indian market, with Rs 11,000 crore invested in the first week of September alone.** This trend is driven by the market’s resilience and expectations of a US rate cut.

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