Is the smallpox vaccine effective on Mpox, know from the doctor who is at greater risk of it

The increasing cases of the Mpox virus in many parts of the world have increased everyone's concern. This infection, which started in African countries, has also started spreading in countries like Sweden, and Pakistan. At the same time, after its cases were found in Pakistan, concern has increased in India about it. In view of the increasing cases of Mpox, the World Health Organization (WHO) itself has declared it a global health emergency. In such a situation, the vaccine can prove to be an effective way to prevent this infection, for which research is going on all over the world.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is very similar to smallpox. In such a situation, many people have this question in their mind will the smallpox vaccine (Smallpox Vaccine for Mpox) prove effective against it? To get the answer to this question, we spoke to Dr. Vinit Banga, Director of Neurology at Fortis Hospital, Faridabad. Also tried to know which people are at greater risk of this infection. Let's know what is the doctor's opinion-

Doctors say Smallpox vaccines, especially new third-generation vaccines like Modified Vaccinia Ankara, have proved to be very effective against Mpox. This is due to the close genetic relation that exists between Smallpox and Mpox viruses. Several studies support this with evidence of smallpox vaccine possibly providing as high as 85% protection against Mpox. However, how effective the vaccine will be is dependent on the time administered from exposure to the virus.

For example, vaccination could prevent the disease if taken within four days of exposure and reduce symptoms if taken 14 days after the date of exposure. In light of this, identification of high-risk people at the earliest—the so-called Mpox High-Risk Groups—has become extremely critical in view of the recent surge in Mpox cases worldwide, and control of the outbreak with the help of vaccination is very important.

According to the medics, Mpox is only transmitted to people who come into close contact with an infected animal or person. High-risk people include those involved in activities that could predispose them to contact with the virus, for example handling animals in an endemic region or having direct contact physically with the ill individual. Other high-risk groups comprise healthcare workers and individuals working in labs on orthopoxvirus. Moreover, in case of infection, it is more dangerous when a person has weakened immunity, such as those suffering from HIV/AIDS.