In an editorial published in the Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology, researchers from the Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology (ICMI) at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital have revealed that the discontinuation of the smallpox vaccine could be the possible cause of the resurgence of monkeypox cases in the country. In the editorial, the researchers suggested that authorities should launch a program for inoculating people under 45 with the smallpox vaccine as it can provide 85% protection.

Dr. Chand Wattal, the corresponding author and chairperson of ICMI, stated that the disease had no effect on the elderly population, but on the younger population in India, especially people who were born after routine immunization for smallpox was stopped in 1979. He further added that a high-risk individual’s burden needs to be taken into consideration and the approved treatment drug, Tecovirimat, could be stockpiled.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), monkeypox is a zoonotic disease that has been transmitted from animals to humans, followed by a human-to-human spread with an average mortality of 3 to 6%. The infection can spread to anyone through close contact, including direct contact with infected people, touching objects, and surfaces that have been used by an infected person. So far, 14 people with the disease have been reported in the country, out of which 9 cases were reported from Delhi. 

(Source: https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2022/sep/21/vax-paucity-led-to-monkeypox-surge-researchers-fromicmi-2500438.html )