98% monkeypox cases arising out of sex between men, major study finds

Aditi Tandon

New Delhi, July 27

The largest study so far of monkeypox cases worldwide has revealed that 98 per cent of those infected were men who have sex with men (MSMs) and 41 per cent of the patients had HIV infection.

The study, which the government is reviewing for future planning and guidance, published in the New England Medical Journal this week, also found that the median age of the infected persons was 38 and transmission was suspected to have occurred through sexual activity in 95 per cent of the persons with the disease. The study followed 528 patients between April 27 and June 24 at 43 sites in 16 countries. Although no one died, 13 per cent of the patients required hospitalisation.

Back home, fresh evidence has prompted the government to ask the National AIDS Control Organisation to prepare a guidance document, with experts flagging the need to mount surveillance activities through the HIV/AIDS prevention networks and NGOs working in the area. As of today, nearly 18,000 confirmed cases of the infection have been reported in 74 countries. Review of the cases shows 1 to 3 per cent of those infected died without treatment and the fatality ratio is 3 to 6 per cent. Control of monkeypox outbreaks relies on public health measures, including surveillance, contact-tracing, isolation and patientcare.

ICMR invites private partners to make vaccine, kits

• The ICMR has invited private collaborators to work with it for developing monkeypox disease diagnostic kits and a vaccine candidate. It said it has isolated the virus at NIV, Pune
• ICMR had followed the same route for the development of Covaxin, India’s first indigenous Covid vaccine in collaboration with Bharat Biotech
• Aug 10 is the last date for submission of interests

528 patients, 16 countries

• The study followed 528 patients between April 27 and June 24 at 43 sites in 16 countries
• Although no one died, 13 per cent of the patients required hospitalisation
• Nearly 18,000 confirmed cases of the infection have been reported in 74 countries
• Review of the cases shows 1 to 3 per cent of those infected died without treatment