India Develops Vaccine Against Mpox

The Serum Institute of India (SII), one of the country's largest vaccine developers, has announced that it is working on a vaccine for Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox.

According to SII's CEO, Adar Poonawalla, the vaccine is expected to be ready by the end of this year.

In light of the global spread of Mpox, the institute accelerated its efforts to develop a vaccine. Poonawalla expressed optimism, stating that more positive updates could be expected throughout the year.

Earlier, the Indian government issued guidelines for isolating individuals suspected of having Mpox and tasked the National Institute of Virology (NIV) with testing virus samples.

Raman Gangakhedkar, Acting Director of the Indian AIDS Research Institute, noted that existing vaccines for Mpox have shown 80% effectiveness.

However, he suggested that vaccines based on weakened live viruses could offer greater protection for high-risk populations, negating the need for widespread vaccination.

Mpox is caused by a virus that spreads through direct contact with an infected person's skin, respiratory system, or through the eyes, nose, or mouth.

The virus can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces like bedding and clothing or through close contact with infected animals such as monkeys and rodents.

Symptoms of Mpox include a rash, skin lesions, fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.