Only 6% Indians surveyed concerned about Monkeypox at this time; 13% concerned about Covid

August 21, 2024, New Delhi: Detailed review meetings have been held over the past few days on the Monkeypox situation in India by Dr P K Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, and earlier by Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda. The review of preparedness and related public health measures took place after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024, in view of its prevalence and spread across many parts of Africa.

Officially there are no reported cases of Monkeypox in India as of date, according to a government statement. The PMO has directed that surveillance be enhanced and effective measures be taken for prompt detection of cases. Accordingly, the health officials have decided that as a matter of abundant caution, certain measures like sensitizing the health units at all the airports, seaports, and ground crossings; readying the 32 testing laboratories, gearing up health facilities for detecting, isolating and managing any case, etc. are put in place. Monkeypox infections are usually self-limiting lasting between 2-4 weeks and patients generally recover with supportive management. The transmission requires prolonged close contact with an infected case and is generally through the sexual route, direct contact with body/lesion fluid, or contaminated clothing/linen of an infected person.

Globally since 2022, WHO has reported 99,176 cases and 208 deaths due to Monkeypox from 116 countries. Since the 2022 declaration by WHO, a total of 30 cases were detected in India with the last case in March 2024. The health alert about M-pox has been issued at a time when many in India are under the weather, having viral fever or some suffering from vector borne diseases. LocalCircles has conducted a survey to understand level of concern amongst the public in regard to Monkeypox, Covid and other viral illnesses. The survey received over 10,000 responses from citizens located in 342 districts of India. 68% respondents were men while 32% respondents were women. 43% respondents were from tier 1, 25% from tier 2 and 32% respondents were from tier 3 and 4 districts.

Only 6% Indians surveyed concerned about Monkeypox at this time; 13% concerned about a Covid infection: 29% about other seasonal viral illnesses

The survey asked citizens, “At this point which virus infection are you and your family concerned about?” The question received 10,189 responses with 13% indicating “Covid”; 6% indicating “Monkeypox”; 29% stating “none of them” while 29% stated “other viral infections” and 23% of respondents did not give a clear answer. In essence, only 6% Indians surveyed are concerned about Monkeypox at this time; while 13% are concerned about a Covid infection, which is being reported in many countries globally. However, 29% are concerned about viral illnesses. The finding indicates some level of risk if Monkeypox were to start spreading rapidly, many could get caught unaware.

In summary, only 6% of those surveyed indicated that they are concerned about M-Pox and 13% are concerned about Covid in India. With Monkeypox cases reported in Pakistan and some other Asian countries, and no restrictions on international travel, there is a high chance of cases being identified in India soon. In addition to airport screening, the Government may want to consider having states refresh their district level surveillance and communication plans for Monkeypox.

Survey Demographics

The survey received around 10,000 responses from citizens located in 342 districts of India. 68% respondents were men while 32% respondents were women. 43% respondents were from tier 1, 25% from tier 2 and 32% respondents were from tier 3 and 4 districts. The survey was conducted via LocalCircles platform and all participants were validated citizens who had to be registered with LocalCircles to participate in this survey.