Monkeypox: 'More threats like monkeypox, Zika virus will come in the coming times'; Dr. Randeep Guleria warned

Dr Randeep Guleria, Chairman of the Institute of Internal Medicine Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at Medanta and former Director of AIIMS, on Thursday warned about future dangers. He said that as far as TB is concerned, India is one of the most affected countries. For this, many steps have been taken in the private and government sector. He further said that in the coming time, we will see more outbreaks like monkeypox. Zika virus is also a matter of concern. In such a situation, we should prepare to fight such threats now.

'Efforts are underway to find new and better treatment methods'

In an exclusive conversation with ANI, Dr Guleria said that as far as TB is concerned, India is one of the most at-risk countries. A lot of work has been done in the private and government sectors regarding this. A lot of tests have been done on TB vaccines. Hopefully, soon we will have a vaccine. Efforts are underway to find new and better treatment methods. So there is a need to keep working on it actively. There is a need to work very actively, especially regarding TB medicine. So if we can prepare treatments for drug-resistant TB that last six months or less, it would be better.

'We have seen a large number of outbreaks in 24 years'

Speaking on virus-borne outbreaks in recent times, Dr Guleria said that in the last 24 years of this century, we have seen a large number of outbreaks. These include SARS, two epidemics like coronavirus and H1N1. We have other outbreaks like monkeypox and Zika virus. All these are viruses of animal or bird species. Now they have started coming to humans. Therefore, there is a need to understand that due to climate change and damage to the environment, we are going to see more such outbreaks.

'Active monitoring of cases is necessary'

He said that preparation is needed. Active monitoring of such cases is necessary. Only then can measures be prepared to avoid it. He said that we have to be prepared for this. To do this, we need active monitoring. So that we can identify and contain any outbreak or any unusual event beforehand. We did this when the Nipah virus outbreak happened in Kerala. We should do this at the national level. We have a team ready to work to contain it, eliminate it, and cure it. There should be a lot of focus on research from medicine to vaccines for these new infections.