8 confirmed cases of monkeypox in India, govt says no need to panic

New Delhi: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya said that 8 cases of monkeypox have been reported in India so far.

He said that all possible surveillance is being carried out to prevent the spread of the disease.

Replying to questions related to monkeypox during the Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Mandaviya also said that there is no need to panic or fear it as it does not spread as fast as the COVID-19 disease.

In fact, the virus spreads only after very close contact. The Health Minister said that 15 institutions in the country have been marked for testing of monkeypox virus and other institutions can also be included if required, he added.