Only 6% Indians concerned about Mpox: LocalCircles survey

New Delhi: Mpox may be a public health emergency worldwide, but in India, only 6% of people are concerned about the outbreak.

World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) given its prevalence and spread across many parts of Africa.

A survey by LocalCircles to understand the level of concern amongst the public regarding Monkeypox, COVID-19, and other viral illnesses received over 10,000 responses from citizens located in 342 districts of India.

While 68% of respondents were men and 32% were women. 43% of respondents were from tier 1, 25% from tier 2, and 32% of respondents were from tier 3 and 4 districts.

Only 6% of Indians concerned

The survey found that only 6% of Indians surveyed were concerned about Monkeypox; 13% were concerned about Covid infection and 29% about other seasonal viral illnesses.

The survey asked citizens, “At this point which virus infection are you and your family concerned about?”

The question received 10,189 responses with 13% indicating “COVID”; 6% indicating “Monkeypox”; 29% stating “none of them” 29% stated “other viral infections” and 23% of respondents did not give a clear answer.

The finding indicates some level of risk. If Monkeypox spreads, many would be caught unaware.

No reports in India officially

Officially there are no reported cases of Monkeypox in India as of date, according to a government statement. The PMO has directed that surveillance be enhanced and effective measures be taken for prompt detection of cases.

Health officials have decided that as a matter of abundant caution, certain measures like sensitizing the health units at all the airports, seaports, and ground crossings; readying the 32 testing laboratories, gearing up health facilities for detecting, isolating, and managing any case, etc. are put in place.

Several review meetings have been held on the Monkeypox situation in India by Dr P K Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, and by Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Prakash Nadda.

The health alert about M-pox has been issued at a time when many in India are under the weather, having viral fever, or suffering from vector-borne diseases.

About Monkeypox

Monkeypox infections are usually self-limiting lasting between 2-4 weeks and patients generally recover with supportive management. The transmission requires prolonged close contact with an infected case and is generally through the sexual route, direct contact with body/lesion fluid, or contaminated clothing/linen of an infected person.

Globally since 2022, WHO has reported 99,176 cases and 208 deaths due to Monkeypox from 116 countries. Since the 2022 declaration by WHO, a total of 30 cases were detected in India with the last case in March 2024.

High chance of spreading to India

With Monkeypox cases reported in Pakistan and some other Asian countries, and no restrictions on international travel, there is a high chance of cases being identified in India soon.

"In addition to airport screening, the Government may want to consider having states refresh their district-level surveillance and communication plans for Monkeypox," LocalCircles opined.