NEW DELHI: Due to increasing monkeypox cases in the country, the government has invited expression of interest from pharmaceutical companies to develop a vaccine for prevention. The Centre has also invited expression of interest for development of testing kits. The expression of interest should be submitted by August 10.

Meanwhile, monkeypox cases and suspected cases are increasing in the country. Two people with monkeypox symptoms have sought treatment in Uttar Pradesh. At present, four cases have been confirmed in the country. The fourth case was reported in Delhi on Tuesday. A 31-year-old man who is undergoing treatment at Maulana Abdul Kalam Hospital has been diagnosed with the disease. He has not traveled abroad. The first three monkeypox cases in the country were reported in Kerala. The disease was confirmed to Kollam, Kannur and Malappuram natives who came from abroad. The Ministry of Health has directed strict monitoring and vigilance as the disease has been reported outside Kerala and also been confirmed to a person with no abroad travel history. The Ministry of Health has issued guidelines for disease prevention.