Small Pox Versus Monkey Pox - Where are We Heading to from An Indian Perspective

Monkeypox is viral zoonoses with symptoms similar to that of Small Pox which has been eradicated in 1978 except in experimental laboratories. Monkeypox belongs to the genus Orthopox group which also has Smallpox & Cowpox virus. The viral exanthema is associated with fever, bodyache and other prodromal manifestations of common viral infections with Monkeypox infection associated with lymphadenopathy which is characteristic of Monkeypox- as is the name given because it was first found in monkeys in 1980. Transmissibility rate is high in monkeypox unlike smallpox with the approach to a case should be with proper protective equipments (PPE).Mortality rate is low with treatment being on similar lines with other viruses of the genus. The number of infective cases in India is low uptill now whereas the authorities are keeping a close watch on the same to prevent any outbreak of sorts.