Srinagar, Aug 24 (KNS): Prof. Sanjay Rai from the Department of Community Medicine at AIIMS New Delhi has assured the public that there is no need to panic over monkeypox, or M-pox, stressing that the virus is not new and does not pose the same level of risk as COVID-19.

Speaking at the "Kashmir Science Vision-2024" conference, held at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) in collaboration with Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Prof. Rai sought to calm rising concerns about the virus.

“The monkeypox virus has been known to us for over 50 years," Prof. Rai explained. "It was first discovered in 1970 in a young boy, and we have since developed a solid understanding of its transmission and effects.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelUnlike COVID-19, monkeypox is not highly contagious, and current evidence shows there is no need for alarm,” he said, as reported by KNS.

Prof. Rai further emphasized that monkeypox is unlikely to escalate into a pandemic, stating, "In all probability, concerns about this virus will fade within a month. There is no reason for panic."
The conference brought together health and science experts to discuss pressing issues, and Prof. Rai's comments were a welcome reassurance amid growing public anxiety regarding the recent spike in monkeypox cases.
His expert insight reinforced that the virus remains well-contained and manageable.(KNS)